Husbands and Wives

The film begins with Jack and Sally visiting their friends Gabe and Judy to share the news of their separation. This revelation catches Gabe off guard, while Judy is deeply affected and feels personally attacked.

In an attempt to navigate the emotional confusion following their separation, the four friends decide to dine at a Chinese restaurant. This gathering serves as a backdrop for their discussions about love and loss, amidst the turmoil they are experiencing.

Weeks later, Sally is at a colleague's apartment for an evening of opera and dinner when she discovers Jack has moved on. Using her colleague's phone, she accuses Jack of infidelity, expressing her heartbreak over his new relationship.

Judy and Gabe meet Jack's new girlfriend, Sam, leading to mixed feelings, especially for Judy. Gabe’s harsh comment about Sam being a 'cocktail waitress' complicates their perceptions of Jack's choice to leave Sally.

Judy meets Michael, a colleague from her magazine, and introduces him to Sally. The two begin dating, but Sally soon finds herself dissatisfied with Michael, sensing an emotional disconnect.

Gabe strikes up a friendship with Rain, a young student who critiques his manuscript, which blooms into a romantic relationship during her 21st birthday celebration. However, Gabe decides not to pursue this romance further, feeling a deep sense of responsibility.

At a gathering, Jack learns that Sally has been seeing someone else, which incites jealousy within him. In a heated argument with Sam, Jack rushes home to confront Sally, only to find her in bed with Michael.

Desperate to save their marriage, Jack pleads with Sally to reconsider their relationship. However, Sally stands firm in her decision, refusing to go back to the life they once had.

Just under two weeks later, Jack and Sally surprisingly find their way back to each other and join Gabe and Judy for a dinner. This reunion, however, is overshadowed by underlying tensions in their relationships.

After dinner, tensions rise when Gabe confronts Judy about her reluctance to share her poetry. This confrontation leads to Gabe’s misguided advance, which ultimately causes Judy to declare that their relationship may be over.

Following their argument, Gabe decides to move out, stemming from his belief that Judy's changes in behavior signify an end to their relationship. This decision highlights his internal struggles and emotional turmoil.

In the aftermath of her breakup with Gabe, Judy begins an affair with Michael, further complicating the relationships among the group. This twist adds another layer of tension and betrayal to the dynamics.

As the film progresses, Jack and Sally continue to grapple with their marital issues, reflecting on their love and the desire to stay together despite their challenges. Their journey highlights the complexities of modern relationships.

Gabe ultimately chooses a path of solitude, vowing not to date to avoid inflicting pain on others or himself. His decision marks a poignant end to his character arc, illustrating the weight of unresolved issues.

The film concludes with Gabe asking the unseen documentary crew if he is free to leave. This moment serves as a metaphor for his internal struggles and symbolizes a feeling of unresolved turmoil within him.