Once in a Lifetime

Once in a Lifetime

Year: 1994

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Director: Michael Miller

RomanceDramaTV Movie

After a fire kills her husband and baby daughter, Daphne raises her deaf son Andrew while starting a writing career that earns Hollywood praise. Though her scripts succeed, her heart stays with Andrew, who lives at an eastern boarding school. She falls for a man, but an accident lands her in the hospital, forcing her to face life fate hope for love.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Once in a Lifetime yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Once in a Lifetime (1994)

Trace every key event in Once in a Lifetime (1994) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Accident and coma

Daphne Fields, a world-famous novelist living in New York City, is hit by a car and falls into a coma. The accident shatters her present life and triggers a vivid memory recall as she lies unresponsive.

Night of the accident New York City
2

Memory flashback begins

While unconscious, Daphne's mind flashes back to eight years earlier. She recalls a life in which she is happily married to Jeffrey with a loving daughter, Aimee.

Present (coma) Hospital room
3

A happy life with Jeffrey and Aimee

Eight years earlier, Daphne enjoys a loving family life with Jeffrey and their daughter Aimee in New York. Her world seems complete as she juggles writing with motherhood.

Eight years earlier New York City
4

Tragedy strikes: fire

A devastating fire destroys their home, killing Jeffrey and Aimee. Daphne survives and is left to confront the unimaginable loss.

Eight years earlier Home, New York
5

Birth of Andrew

Nine months after the fire, Daphne gives birth to a son, Andrew. It is soon revealed that Andrew is deaf.

Nine months after the fire New York
6

Learning sign language

To communicate with Andrew, Daphne learns sign language with the help of Dr. Matthew Dane. The tutor's presence marks a turning point as she connects with her son.

Eight years earlier Home and tutoring sessions
7

Andrew's boarding school

Daphne enrolls Andrew in a special boarding school for deaf children in New Hampshire, headed by Matthew Dane. She becomes overprotective and prioritizes visits over public promotion, while continuing to write.

Eight years earlier New Hampshire
8

Autumn Years begins

Inspired by her losses, Daphne begins writing a novel called Autumn Years. The work becomes a bestseller, launching her literary career.

Eight years earlier New York
9

Career and family converge

She focuses on her freelance writing, hiring her best friend Barbara as an assistant. She refuses to promote or tour so that she can visit Andrew freely.

Eight years earlier New York
10

Apache adaptation and Hollywood romance

Rights to her second novel Apache are sold and adapted into a film, pulling her to Hollywood. There she meets Justin Wakefield and, after one romantic night, he declares his love for her.

Eight years earlier Hollywood
11

Engagement and LA plans

Although Justin loves her back, his casual lifestyle and reluctance to meet Andrew strain the relationship. She accepts a marriage proposal and considers moving to Los Angeles with her son.

Eight years earlier Los Angeles
12

Return to Matthew and misread love

Upset by Justin's lifestyle, she breaks off the engagement. She returns home to declare her love to Matthew but finds him with another woman, misreading their relationship.

Eight years earlier New Hampshire
13

Flashback ends

The flashback ends, and the narrative returns to the present with Daphne still in a coma. The memory arc leaves her unsettled as she awaits waking up.

Present Hospital
14

Awakening and engagement

Matthew rushes to Daphne's hospital bedside. As she awakens, he confesses his love for her, and they become engaged, setting up a hopeful future.

Present, post-awakening Hospital

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:22

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Once in a Lifetime

Don't stop at just watching — explore Once in a Lifetime 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 Once in a Lifetime is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Once in a Lifetime Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Once in a Lifetime, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Once in a Lifetime Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Once in a Lifetime

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Once in a Lifetime. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Once in a Lifetime

More About Once in a Lifetime

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Once in a Lifetime: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Once in a Lifetime

Explore More About Movie Once in a Lifetime

Once in a Lifetime (1994) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Once in a Lifetime (1994) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Once in a Lifetime (1994) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow