Modern Love

Modern Love

Year: 1990

Runtime: 105 mins

Language: English

Comedy

Only the nappies have been changed to protect the innocent… Modern relationships are examined in this comedy drama.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Modern Love (1990)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Modern Love (1990). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

South Carolina, Europe

The story centers primarily in South Carolina, a Southern state known for hospitality and family routines, where Greg and Billie establish their home and begin raising their daughter. The environment emphasizes close-knit community dynamics, family expectations, and traditional values. A Europe-bound detour later introduces a contrast in pace and setting, highlighting travel as a catalyst for reflection and change.

🌴 Southern charm 🏡 Domestic life 🎭 Culture

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:32

Main Characters – Modern Love (1990)

Meet the key characters of Modern Love (1990), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Greg (Robby Benson)

Tenderhearted and neurotic, Greg is 'in love with love' but experiences largely unreciprocated affection. His job at a public relations firm places him in a world of image-making and constant scrutiny, which clashes with his desire for meaningful connection. He struggles with balancing career ambition, a chaotic social life, and his evolving marriage.

💼 Career 💘 Romantic life 😂 Humor 🧠 Self-doubt

Dr. Billie Parker (Karla DeVito)

A doctor who becomes Greg’s romantic and emotional anchor. She embodies warmth, independence, and a commitment to faith and family. Her relationship with Greg catalyzes his growth, even as her own life faces its own pressures and expectations.

⚕️ Medical 💘 Romance 💬 Communication 👩‍⚕️ Caregiver

Colonel Frank Parker (Burt Reynolds)

Billie’s father, an Army psychologist whose authority and traditional values influence the family dynamics. He pushes for clear views on parenting and marriage, shaping how Greg approaches family life and responsibility.

🪖 Military 👨‍👧 Family 🎯 Guidance

Mrs. Evelyn Parker (Rue McClanahan)

Billie’s mother, whose overbearing presence and practical wisdom push and prod the family toward balance. She participates in key moments, such as the hospital crisis and home life, shaping Greg’s adaptation to in-law relationships.

👵 Family 🏡 In-laws 🗣️ Judgment

Chloe (Lyric Benson)

The daughter around whom the couple’s life centers. Chloe represents the future and the complexities of parenting, growth, and the love that grounds the marriage.

👶 Parenthood 💗 Family 🏃 Growth

Dirk Martin (Cliff Bemis)

An obnoxious, over-the-hill surfer who is a difficult client for Greg at Hoskins Public Relations. His presence creates chaos and comic tension, challenging Greg’s ability to manage a demanding project while staying true to his personal life.

🏄 Surfer 🎭 Celebrity 💥 Chaos

Greg's Mom (Louise Lasser)

A critical figure in Greg’s life, she expresses strong opinions about marriage and parenting and later participates in guiding Billie through family tensions. Her presence adds pressure but also opportunities for reconciliation.

👩‍👦 Family 🗣️ Criticism 🤝 Reconciliation

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:32

Major Themes – Modern Love (1990)

Explore the central themes of Modern Love (1990), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💞 Love & Commitment

Greg pursues a lasting romance with Billie, while facing the instability of his other relationships. The film probes how love tests fidelity, shared values, and the willingness to grow within a marriage. Family expectations and religious traditions further complicate the path to commitment. Ultimately, the narrative suggests that true partnership requires sacrifice, communication, and ongoing effort.

🧭 Self-Discovery

Greg must navigate his own identity beyond romantic escapades and professional chaos. His relationship with Billie acts as a mirror for his goals, fears, and desire for creative freedom. Travel and domestic life become catalysts for introspection and change. The arc traces how personal truth emerges through intimate vulnerability and responsibility.

🏡 Family & Tradition

The Parker family dynamics—Billie’s Catholic faith, Col. Parker’s authority, and Evelyn’s overbearing presence—frame Greg’s integration into a blended family. Domestic rituals, baptisms, and discussions about naming reveal how tradition shapes daily life. The story shows that family ties can support growth even as they test boundaries and patience. Longevity in love depends on balancing tradition with evolving needs.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:32

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Modern Love Summary

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Modern Love Summary

Modern Love Timeline

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Modern Love Timeline

More About Modern Love

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More About Modern Love