Terms of Endearment

Terms of Endearment

Year: 1983

Runtime: 132 min

Language: English

DramaComedyRomance

A fiercely independent woman, Aurora Greenway, struggles to balance her own desires with the heartbreak of her daughter, Emma. Following the end of Emma's marriage, she seeks comfort from her mother, leading Aurora to confront her own mortality and the complexities of their relationship. The experience forces both women to examine past hurts and consider the importance of reconciliation as they navigate life’s challenges.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Terms of Endearment 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!

Terms of Endearment (1983) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Terms of Endearment (1983), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In the affluent neighborhood of River Oaks, Houston, Aurora Greenway, a widow, has meticulously shaped her life to maintain a sense of control, especially over her relationship with her daughter, Emma. Despite her own vulnerabilities, Aurora consistently checks in via telephone, striving to keep their connection strong and unwavering. However, Emma yearns for her independence and is eager to carve out her own identity outside of her mother’s influence.

This desire culminates when Emma decides to marry Flap Horton, an immature college professor, much to her mother’s dismay. As the couple navigates their rocky relationship filled with arguments and misunderstandings, Emma and Aurora’s bond remains compellingly intact. They eventually move to Iowa, where Flap focuses on his career as an English professor.

Yet, the pressures of financial strain and the difficulties of raising three small children begin to take their toll on Emma and Flap’s marriage. A pivotal moment arrives when Emma meets Sam Burns at the grocery store, who pays for her groceries, igniting a friendship that swiftly transforms into a steamy affair. Emma’s fears about Flap’s fidelity become reality when she catches him flirting with a student, shattering her trust.

On the other hand, Aurora finds a spark of renewal with her neighbor, Garrett Breedlove, a charismatic retired astronaut. As Emma’s life spirals, she heads back to Texas, where she confronts Flap about his indiscretions. Following this confrontation, Flap discloses his ambition to take a promotion in Nebraska, leading Emma and their children to join him in a bid to maintain their family.

Tragically, Emma’s life takes a harrowing turn with a terminal cancer diagnosis. In this trying time, both Aurora and Flap rally to support her, offering emotional strength as she undergoes treatment and returns to the hospital. Garrett steps back into Aurora’s life, extending his love during this challenging period. In a heart-wrenching act of maternal love, Emma entrusts the care of her children to her mother, reinforcing their connection amidst the looming shadows of mortality.

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 09:26

Unlock the Full Story of Terms of Endearment

Don't stop at just watching — explore Terms of Endearment 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 Terms of Endearment is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Terms of Endearment Timeline

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

Terms of Endearment Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Terms of Endearment

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Terms of Endearment

More About Terms of Endearment

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Terms of Endearment: 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 Terms of Endearment

Similar Movies to Terms of Endearment

Discover movies like Terms of Endearment that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.