When a Man Loves a Woman

Alice Green is a school counselor portrayed by [Meg Ryan], who struggles with alcoholism and is married to Michael Green, an airline pilot, played by [Andy García]. They share two daughters: nine-year-old Jess (from a previous marriage) and four-year-old Casey, whose father is Michael. A reluctant babysitter named Amy (Amy Treese) is hired to help, but one afternoon Alice arrives home in a drunken, incoherent state and dismisses Amy, leaving the children unattended. When Jess confronts her mother, Alice’s behavior turns volatile: she slaps Jess, who runs to her room in tears, and then, while in the shower, she retches, loses balance, and collapses. Fearing Alice may have died, Jess calls Michael, who rushes home to be by his wife’s side.

In the hospital, the couple faces the harsh truth about Alice’s drinking and agrees that she must seek professional help. Upon release, Alice enters a rehabilitation clinic where her recovery is painful but steady, and she earns the respect of staff and fellow residents. Meanwhile, Michael assumes the role of the primary caregiver at home, trying to balance parenting and his airline career, while dealing with Amy and the disruption her absence causes. On a family visit day at the clinic, Alice slowly begins to rebuild her bond with the children, leaving Michael feeling out of place in the life she is rebuilding.

Back home, Alice returns sober but guarded, her demeanor now more distant and assertive. Michael struggles to adjust to her post-treatment aloofness and the way her outside friendships have taken priority, making him feel neglected. When they try to address their marriage in counseling, the counselor describes Michael’s involvement as codependent. During a tense exchange, Alice reveals that Michael’s genuine wish to support her “makes her skin crawl.” The couple’s dynamics grow strained, and Michael moves out, while Alice remains in the family home with the children. He seeks support from a spousal group for alcoholics, gradually becoming more vocal about the emotional toll on him and the kids, and about the challenge of truly listening to what their recovery means for the family.

Later, Alice and Michael briefly reunite at the hospital to celebrate the birth of Amy’s baby. As they navigate their evolving relationship, they share moments of vulnerability and connection. On the day of Alice’s 180-day sober speech, she speaks about the costs of addiction on herself, her children, and their marriage. Michael, who has been offered a job in Denver, attends the speech and, for the first time in a long while, stands by her side. After her speech, he explains what he had been missing—listening and really hearing—and, with renewed understanding, they share a tender, longing kiss, suggesting a fragile path forward built on empathy, commitment, and a new form of partnership.

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:28