Two for the Road

In 1954, Mark Wallace meets Joanna on a ferry departing from England. Mark is on a photography excursion while Joanna travels with her choir for a festival in Menton, marking the beginning of their adventures together.

Upon arriving in Dieppe, Mark panics when he believes he has misplaced his passport. However, Joanna finds it nestled in his backpack, allowing them to continue their journey uninterrupted.

As they head towards Abbeville, Mark encounters an accident involving Joanna's choir van. He decides to help, joining the girls but eventually finds himself alone with Joanna after everyone contracts chickenpox except her.

With chickenpox affecting the others, Mark and Joanna are left to travel southward alone. Despite Mark's attempts to push her away, Joanna professes her love for him, and they share a romantic night together.

After a week of exploration along the Mediterranean, filled with beach days and modest accommodations, Mark proposes to Joanna. This moment cements their bond, beginning their life as a married couple.

In 1957, Mark and Joanna take a family trip with the Maxwell-Manchester family, including Mark's ex-girlfriend Cathy. An offhand remark from young Ruthie about Joanna prompts the couple to leave the group and continue their journey alone.

By 1959, Mark and Joanna find themselves traveling in a dilapidated vehicle, during which Joanna reveals her pregnancy. Their car catches fire, forcing them to seek refuge at the luxurious Domaine Saint-Just.

While at the Domaine Saint-Just, Mark and Joanna meet Maurice and Françoise Dalbret, who invite them to stay at their villa in Ramatuelle. This encounter leads to an important professional connection for Mark.

Following the birth of their daughter Caroline, Mark travels alone to France. While there, he spends the night with a woman named Simone, sending deceptive letters to Joanna that mask his infidelities.

In 1963, during a return trip to France, Joanna develops a connection with Françoise's brother, David. Their affair culminates in a night together, leading to a confrontation between her and Mark about her feelings.

After Joanna confesses her love for David, Mark confronts her about the betrayal. Although David offers Joanna an escape from her marriage, she ultimately decides to return to Mark, showcasing her conflict.

In the present, Mark and Joanna confront the possibility of divorce during their travels in France. They stop at a hotel where Mark becomes absorbed in his work, neglecting Joanna's emotional needs.

At a stunning residence designed by Mark for the Comte and Comtesse de Florac, he receives a call from potential client Hal Van Benius. This job opportunity would require Mark to work in the United States for two years.

As Mark and Joanna sneak away from the festivities, they drive through a serene forest, reflecting on their complex feelings for each other. They express their lingering love despite the challenges they have faced.

Approaching the France-Italy border, Mark panics, fearing he has lost his passport. Joanna’s calm demeanor contrasts his anxiety as she hands him the passport, showcasing the tension and dynamics in their relationship during this stressful moment.