Waiting to Exhale

Savannah, Bernadine, Robin, and Gloria regularly meet to vent about life and love and to offer one another honest counsel. Their get-togethers become a lifeline as they navigate dating, careers, and motherhood. The group sets the tone for the film's intertwined journeys.

Savannah believes her married lover will eventually leave his wife for her. She envisions a life built on his devotion and success in entertainment. She remains hopeful despite not facing the full reality yet.

She realizes that her lover won't leave his wife, forcing her to reassess her approach to love. She resolves to find a man who will love her for who she is, not for an illicit arrangement. This realization prompts a shift in her romantic goals.

Bernadine's husband John reveals he is leaving her for another woman, shattering her sense of security. The revelation triggers a painful emotional tailspin and questions about her future. Her priorities shift as she contemplates what comes next.

In the heat of separation, they fight over their assets. She burns his car, clothes, and some belongings, and even sells the rest of his things for a dollar each to reclaim her dignity. He retaliates by draining their joint bank accounts. The escalating feud underscores the power struggle of a marriage in crisis.

Robin is a high-powered executive and longtime mistress of a married man. After dumping Russell, she struggles to find someone who can meet her standards and fit into her ambitious life. The search tests her patience and sense of self-worth.

Gloria's ex-husband confesses he is bisexual, complicating her plans about co-parenting and future relationships. She processes the news and re-evaluates what she wants from partnerships. The revelation also spurs personal growth as she navigates new boundaries.

Gloria develops a romance with her new neighbor Marvin King and begins envisioning a life beyond heartbreak. The relationship challenges her to balance motherhood, a business, and her own needs. She starts to see that self-care matters as much as devotion.

Savannah permanently dumps her married lover, choosing independence and honesty over a secretive relationship. She begins focusing on her own happiness and professional aspirations. The move marks a turning point in her romantic life.

Bernadine earns a large divorce settlement from her ex-husband. She meets a married civil rights attorney who is caring but whose own wife is terminally ill. He encourages her to pursue her catering dream, and their connection deepens despite the obstacles.

Robin becomes pregnant by her married lover and, after ending the liaison, decides to raise the baby on her own. She faces the challenges of single parenthood with determination and resolve. Her professional life continues to demand strength, but she finds purpose in motherhood.

Gloria apologizes to her neighbor for snapping at him about letting her son grow up and experience the world. She learns not to be so protective and allows him to join the Up with People program in Spain. Through this process, she also discovers that she can love again and care for herself.

Across their separate journeys, the women gain confidence, independence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Each faces turning points that redefine love, ambition, and motherhood. The friendships provide support as they navigate new beginnings.

By the film's end, Savannah, Bernadine, Robin, and Gloria have found stronger versions of themselves. They pursue healthier relationships, satisfy career goals, and approach motherhood with renewed hope. The story closes on a note of friendship, resilience, and bright futures.