When a Man Loves a Woman

Alice enters the house in a drunken, incoherent state and dismisses the reluctant babysitter Amy. She slaps nine-year-old Jess, who runs to her room in tears. The confrontation exposes the strain her drinking places on the family.

While in the shower, Alice retches, loses balance, and falls through the shower door onto the bathroom floor, losing consciousness. Jess contacts Michael, who rushes home to be by Alice's side. The near-fatal moment becomes the wake-up call for their family.

Michael flies home to be with Alice and supports her as she is admitted to the hospital. The couple confronts the truth about her drinking and considers their options. The hospital setting marks the turning point toward seeking help.

In the hospital, both admit that Alice must seek professional help for her alcoholism. They commit to entering rehab as the path to recovery, acknowledging the damage done to their family.

After release, Alice enters a rehabilitation clinic and begins a painful but stabilizing recovery. Michael becomes the main caregiver at home, juggling his job and the children while trying to support her progress. Tensions rise as he adapts to a new, more isolated role.

Within the clinic, Alice is flourishing; she earns the respect of staff and other tenants through her determination. The environment contrasts with Michael's growing detachment from the changed family dynamics. Her progress feels fragile but hopeful.

During a family visit day at the clinic, Alice rebuilds her bond with Jess and Casey, showing warmth that had been missing. Michael watches from the sidelines, feeling out of place in the new family dynamic. The children begin to connect with their mother again.

Alice returns home sober and more assertive, but her demeanor is distant and protective. Michael struggles with her new aloofness and the prioritization of her outside friendships. The couple faces a widening emotional gap despite her progress.

The couple attends marriage counseling, where the therapist suggests how codependency may affect their dynamic. Michael is challenged to redefine his role without enabling Alice's sobriety.

In a heated argument, Alice confesses that Michael's genuine desire to be supportive makes her skin crawl. The conflict leads Michael to move out, leaving Alice to parent the children alone. The estrangement marks a critical test of their commitment.

Michael, unable to process the changes at home, joins a support group for spouses of alcoholics. He starts shy but gradually speaks more openly about his sorrow, guilt, and the impact on his children. The group provides him a path toward personal growth.

Alice and Michael return to the hospital to celebrate the birth of Amy's baby. The visit reopens lines of communication and hints at reconciliation.

As they depart the hospital, Alice asks Michael to attend her 180-day sober speech and hints at wanting him to come home. Michael reveals he has been offered a job in Denver, and they discuss whether he should take it.

Alice stands on a stage and tells her sobriety story, detailing the toll it took on her, the children, and their marriage. The audience is moved to tears as Michael steps from the crowd, ready to listen and support.

After listening, Michael and Alice share an intense, longing kiss, symbolizing a renewed connection and hope for their future. He finally appears at ease with her, acknowledging the journey they've taken.