Terms of Endearment

In the affluent neighborhood of River Oaks, widow Aurora Greenway shapes her life to maintain control, particularly in her relationship with her daughter, Emma. She frequently checks in with her via telephone, striving for a strong and unwavering connection despite her own vulnerabilities.

Emma, feeling constrained by her mother's controlling nature, yearns for her independence. This desire pushes her to pursue her own identity outside of Aurora's influence, creating a growing tension in their relationship.

Emma makes a significant life choice by marrying Flap Horton, an immature college professor, despite her mother's strong disapproval. As they embark on this new chapter, the couple faces numerous arguments and misunderstandings, challenging their relationship.

After marrying Flap, Emma and he relocate to Iowa where he focuses on his career as an English professor. This move symbolizes Emma's commitment to her husband and her desire to build a life separate from her mother.

As they raise three small children, Emma and Flap struggle with financial pressures and the challenges of parenthood. These stresses begin to take a significant toll on their marriage, exacerbating existing tensions.

At a grocery store, Emma meets Sam Burns, who pays for her groceries, sparking a friendship that quickly turns into a passionate affair. This new relationship complicates Emma’s feelings towards Flap and their marriage.

Emma's suspicions about Flap's fidelity are confirmed when she catches him flirting with a student. This moment shatters her trust in him and propels her toward further reconsideration of their marriage.

During this tumultuous time, Aurora finds companionship with her neighbor, Garrett Breedlove, a charismatic retired astronaut. Their renewed connection brings a spark of joy to Aurora's life amidst her daughter's struggles.

Eventually, Emma returns to Texas to confront Flap about his indiscretions. This confrontation leads to an important discussion about their future when Flap reveals his ambition to take a promotion in Nebraska.

In a move to maintain their family unit, Emma decides to relocate with Flap and their children to Nebraska, supporting his career ambitions despite the turmoil affecting their marriage. Emma hopes this change will stabilize their family life.

Tragedy strikes when Emma receives a terminal cancer diagnosis, which alters the dynamics of the family. Both Aurora and Flap rally around her, providing emotional support during this devastating time as she begins treatment.

As Emma undergoes treatment and faces the hardships of her illness, both Aurora and Flap are there to offer their support. Their shared commitment during this challenging period reinforces familial bonds amid overwhelming adversity.

As Emma endures her cancer battle, Garrett Breedlove steps back into Aurora's life, providing emotional comfort and love. Their growing relationship serves as a source of strength for Aurora during her daughter's health crisis.

In a heart-wrenching act of maternal love, Emma makes the difficult decision to entrust the care of her children to Aurora. This decision deepens their connection and signifies the trust they hold despite the shadows of mortality looming over them.