The Prince of Tides

Tom Wingo, a high school teacher and football coach from South Carolina, embarks on a journey to New York City. This trip is ignited by his mother Lila’s urgent pleas for him to help his twin sister Savannah, who is in a desperate state after a suicide attempt.

After his mother’s call, Tom learns about Savannah's ongoing struggles, which have raised concerns for her psychiatrist, Susan Lowenstein. This prompts Tom to reflect on the turbulent dynamics within their family, marked by trauma and dysfunction.

As Tom collaborates with Lowenstein to access Savannah's troubled psyche, they unearth the dark legacy of their family. They discover the impact of their abusive father and manipulative mother, revealing how these issues contributed to Savannah's current crisis.

Tom grapples with his own emotional turmoil, often masking his pain with Southern humor. At the same time, his marital troubles intensify as his wife, Sallie, engages in an affair, leaving Tom in denial about the extent of his heartbreak.

As Tom and Lowenstein work closely together, they begin to develop deeper feelings for one another. However, this emerging romance is complicated by the fact that Lowenstein is married to a famous concert violinist, Herbert Woodruff.

In an effort to help Savannah’s recovery, Tom starts coaching Lowenstein’s son, Bernard. This involvement deepens the relationship between Tom and Lowenstein, as they navigate the complexities tied to Bernard's aspirations and Savannah’s struggles.

During his time with Lowenstein, Tom uncovers that Savannah has been living a double life as a writer under the alias Renata Halpern. This startling discovery adds more weight to Tom's already heavy burdens as he struggles to support his sister.

Tensions flare when Tom confronts Lowenstein for withholding vital information regarding Savannah's situation. This moment brings a rift in their relationship, as Tom feels frustrated and betrayed by her lack of transparency.

In an attempt to mend their strained relationship, Lowenstein invites Tom to dinner. This intimate setting serves to deepen their bond, despite the challenges and complications that lie between them.

Tom's past comes rushing back when he unexpectedly runs into his parents, stirring up childhood traumas long buried. This confrontation forces Tom to re-examine the painful experiences, such as a terrifying incident involving escaped convicts during his youth.

As Tom's involvement with Bernard grows, he faces opposition from Lowenstein’s husband, Herbert. Herbert insists that Bernard abandon football to focus on music, heightening the tensions between the characters.

Amidst escalating emotions, Tom and Lowenstein find a moment of respite during a romantic getaway at her secluded country home. This retreat heightens their feelings for each other, pushing the boundaries of their relationship.

Meanwhile, Savannah begins her recovery in the hospital, confronting her past traumas that have plagued her for years. This process leads her to a pivotal moment of clarity, sparked by the memories of her own childhood.

A call from Tom's wife shatters the tranquility of his time with Lowenstein, compelling him to face the truth about his feelings. He realizes that his affection for Sallie is rooted in comfort rather than genuine love, prompting a difficult decision.

Ultimately, with the support of Lowenstein, Tom confronts his long-buried traumas, leading him to embrace a newfound sense of peace. In this moment, he grapples with the bittersweet truth that not all loves can coexist, forcing him to reconcile with his past and present.