Year: 1990
Runtime: 106 mins
Language: English
Director: Bud Yorkin
A painfully romantic comedy. The story of Paul Weaver and his strained relationships with women and his family.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Love Hurts (1990), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Paul Weaver is a father of two who has long treated his wife, Nancy Weaver, with a casual, flirting attitude dating back to his baseball days. When divorce papers arrive, a workmate persuades him to travel to Pennsylvania to attend his sister Karen Weaver’s wedding to Doug Whipkey.
Back home, Nancy Weaver and their two children Sarah Weaver and David Weaver have moved into his parents’ house while repairs are done. Paul is surprised to find them there, thinking Nancy wants to avoid him.
To bridge the gap, Paul offers to send them to a motel for the night. They fight, and Paul leaves. On the road, he comes across a broken-down pickup and gives a lift to Susan Volcheck and her son, whom he later realizes is a bridesmaid for Karen’s wedding. He ends up going back to the game with them, sharing awkward moments as he flirts and tries to keep things light. Danny Volcheck, Susan’s husband, arrives later and drives off in anger, adding another layer of tension to the trip.
Back at his parents’ house, Paul tries to reconnect with his children. David encourages him to come inside, but Sarah remains aloof and even steals money from him, prompting Nancy to step in. When Paul won’t let Sarah place the blame on him, she leaves, and Nancy consoles him, confessing that she misses him.
Boomer, Paul’s father, takes the rental car and drinks at a bar; Paul finds him there, and Doug and David soon join for a makeshift bachelor party. Meanwhile, the women have their hen party in a restaurant, and the intoxicated men are driven by David to crash the gathering.
Paul and Susan begin to reconnect, but Nancy cuts it short by bringing up his lifelong infidelity. Paul confesses that Nancy is the only woman he has ever loved, then places the puppy on a sleeping child and exits the scene.
On the day of Karen’s wedding, pouring rain tests everyone’s nerves. Boomer bows out, and Paul steps in to walk Karen down the aisle, helping her steady herself as she prepares to say “I do.”
With a free hour before the reception, Paul takes Sarah to a motel. They share a kiss, but the moment reveals a deeper loneliness in Sarah, and Paul resolves to be there for her as a friend rather than anything more.
At the reception, Boomer stops by to apologize for not being at the ceremony. Susan participates in the money dance, collecting tips before leaving soon after. Paul, unable to find his daughter to dance, and Nancy eventually locate Sarah, who is trying to hitch a ride to the station. Paul runs after her, and after a heartfelt conversation, he convinces Nancy to let Susan move back to New York City with him, signaling a plan for a renewed, if unconventional, family arrangement.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:03
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Stories where a family gathering forces long-buried issues to the surface.Discover movies like Love Hurts that explore dysfunctional families reuniting under one roof. This collection features heartfelt dramedies where events like weddings force characters to confront old wounds and seek reconciliation, perfect for viewers who enjoy bittersweet, character-driven stories.
Narratives in this thread often unfold around a central, high-stakes social event that brings a fractured family together. The linear timeline of the event creates a natural structure for escalating tensions and eventual confrontations, leading to moments of catharsis and potential healing, though not without significant emotional awkwardness and pain along the way.
These films are grouped by their shared focus on familial dysfunction erupting during a forced proximity scenario. They share a bittersweet tone, moderate emotional weight from exploring past hurts, and a steady, observational pacing that lets character dynamics unfold naturally.
Character-driven stories about imperfect people seeking a second chance.Explore movies like Love Hurts featuring flawed protagonists on a path to redemption. These character-driven stories focus on individuals facing the consequences of their actions, blending drama with comedy as they take imperfect steps toward mending broken relationships and personal growth.
The narrative pattern follows a protagonist whose personal flaws—often involving infidelity, arrogance, or emotional distance—have damaged their key relationships. The story arc is one of gradual, often reluctant, self-awareness, propelled by a crisis that forces them to attempt amends, resulting in a hopeful but earned ending that acknowledges the complexity of change.
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Don't stop at just watching — explore Love Hurts in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Love Hurts is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
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