The film follows a group of twenty-something friends navigating life in Seattle, each battling their own romantic complications. Central to the narrative is Linda Powell, who works in an environmental organization. She becomes enamored with a foreign student, Luiz, from the University of Washington, and their burgeoning romance fills her with excitement. She feels a spark that seems to defy the usual relational hurdles, even going so far as to give him access to her garage. However, their relationship faces uncertainty when Luiz reveals issues with his student visa, leading to tensions that surface during a distressing night out where Linda catches him with another woman.
Simultaneously, we meet Steve Dunne, portrayed by Matt Dillon, lamenting a recent breakup while seeking solace in the bustling apartment building that houses several key characters. As a city planner, Steve is haunted by past advice from his father to enjoy being single. A serendipitous encounter with Linda at a rock club results in a tentative connection, but Steve's insecurities lead him to delay reaching out after their initial date. When they finally share an intimate moment, the complexities of their relationship deepen.
As they grow closer, Linda faces a harrowing turn of events—a pregnancy scare that ends tragically in a car accident, leaving her emotionally shattered. Rather than confronting the magnitude of their shared loss, Linda determines to retreat to Alaska for work, marking an unspoken end to their relationship. Meanwhile, Steve spirals into a depression, losing hope in both love and his ambitious commuter train project. His friend Janet (played by Sheila Kelley) makes a concerted effort to pull him from the depths of despair, repeatedly checking in and urging him to reclaim his life.
Separately, we follow Janet's own struggles with her boyfriend, Cliff (the lead singer of a local band, portrayed by Bill Pullman), who is more committed to his music career than their relationship. As she grapples with feelings of inadequacy regarding her body image and her boyfriend's lack of attention, she ultimately decides to break free and rediscover herself.
In a parallel storyline, Debbie (played by Kyra Sedgwick), seeking love through a video dating service, has her own share of romantic misadventures. Her jealousy and confrontations with her roommate illustrate the complexities of friendships and rivalries in the quest for affection.
As the film culminates, we witness a transformation in characters like Steve, who emerges from his darkness upon reconnecting with Linda, and Cliff, who finally treats Janet with the love and attention she deserves. The narrative closes with an expansive shot of the Seattle skyline, encapsulating the myriad voices of young love, heartache, and hope, as these small-town relationships weave a tapestry of interlinked lives and emotional journeys.
