Postcards from the Edge

Year: 1990

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Mike Nichols

DramaComedy

A successful Hollywood actress, Suzanne Vale, struggles with substance abuse and seeks refuge in her mother’s Los Angeles home. While attempting to maintain her sobriety, Suzanne confronts her past mistakes and the complexities of her relationship with the eccentric and vibrant Doris. The film offers a humorous and poignant look at addiction, the challenges of recovery, and the enduring bond between a mother and daughter as they navigate personal demons and search for redemption.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Postcards from the Edge 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 & Setting – Postcards from the Edge (1990)

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

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:50

Main Characters – Postcards from the Edge (1990)

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

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:50

Major Themes – Postcards from the Edge (1990)

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

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:50

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.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Bittersweet recovery dramedies like Postcards from the Edge

Humorous and heartfelt journeys of flawed characters fighting their demons.If you liked the mix of humor and heart in Postcards from the Edge, explore more movies that tackle serious personal struggles with a bittersweet, comedic touch. These films find light in the darkness of addiction and recovery.

bittersweetresilientwrypoignanthopefulrawintrospective

Narrative Summary

Stories typically follow a protagonist navigating a major personal crisis, such as addiction or mental health struggles. The narrative weaves together serious, often painful, setbacks with moments of levity and support from an eccentric cast of characters, culminating in a hard-won but hopeful resolution.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their unique ability to balance heavy themes with comedic relief, creating an emotionally resonant yet uplifting experience. The shared tone of bittersweet resilience is the core connecting element.

Movies about complex mother-daughter relationships like Postcards from the Edge

Exploring the love, rivalry, and history that define a fraught familial bond.Fans of the nuanced mother-daughter dynamic in Postcards from the Edge will appreciate these other films. They explore similar themes of legacy, rivalry, and the challenging path to reconciliation within families.

rawchaoticpoignantintrospectiveemotionalresilienthumorous

Narrative Summary

The central conflict revolves around the push-and-pull of a mother-daughter relationship, often marked by a history of competition, dependency, or misunderstanding. The plot forces the characters to confront their shared past, leading to confrontations, breakthroughs, and a redefinition of their bond.

Why These Movies?

They share a deep focus on the specific emotional landscape of a complicated mother-daughter relationship, often set against a backdrop of creative careers or public life, where personal and professional identities collide.

Unlock the Full Story of Postcards from the Edge

Don't stop at just watching — explore Postcards from the Edge 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 Postcards from the Edge is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Postcards from the Edge Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Postcards from the Edge, 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.

Postcards from the Edge Timeline

Track the full timeline of Postcards from the Edge with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Postcards from the Edge Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Postcards from the Edge that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.