Your Friends & Neighbors

In an unnamed Midwestern American city, two urban middle-class couples are grappling with their own versions of happiness. Jerry, a theater instructor, and his wife Terri face significant issues in their marriage fueled by Jerry's overbearing masculinity.

A seemingly routine dinner with friends Mary and Barry exposes the cracks in Jerry and Terri's relationship. Mary shares her plans for writing a column exploring couples' conflicts while Barry dismisses others' struggles as trivial.

After the dinner, Jerry boldly invites Mary out on a date, an invitation she reluctantly accepts. This decision is driven by Mary's growing dissatisfaction with her partner, Barry, creating tension and restlessness.

Not long after, Terri begins a clandestine romance with Cheri, a gallery worker she meets. Cheri provides the emotional and physical satisfaction that Terri lacks in her marriage with Jerry.

Cary, a conniving doctor, further complicates matters by persuading Barry to explore a non-monogamous lifestyle. Barry struggles between his commitment to his marriage and the influence of Cary’s predatory suggestions.

During a secret hotel rendezvous, Jerry's self-esteem takes a hit as he fails to perform. In a fit of misogyny, he blames Mary for his impotence, leading her to end their affair in frustration.

Weeks later, Barry unwittingly brings Mary back to the same hotel they once shared, triggering painful memories of her affair with Jerry. This lack of awareness highlights the ongoing tumult in their lives.

A gym meet-up between Jerry, Barry, and Cary spirals into discomfort as Cary shares a chilling story from his past. This unsettling exchange prompts Jerry to reveal he had sex with Barry's wife, leaving Barry speechless.

Tensions culminate as Barry confronts Mary about her affair, while Terri discovers Jerry's betrayal during a trip to a bookstore. In a moment of recklessness, Terri reveals her relationship with Cheri, showing no remorse.

Infuriated by Terri's infidelity, Jerry confronts Cheri at the gallery only to be met with her indifference. This moment underscores the deep divide and distress within their relationships.

As both couples unravel, Terri moves in with Cheri, though their emotional dynamics become complex and challenging. Meanwhile, Jerry continues to engage in relationships with his theater students.

Amidst the chaos, Barry descends into despair, grappling with his feelings of impotence and frustration. His emotional state reflects the ruin of his marriage and the unfulfilled desires he faces.

Mary, now living with Cary, faces a reality of being treated coldly despite being pregnant. This stark situation reveals the emptiness of her attempts to find fulfillment outside of her previous relationship with Barry.

In a haunting finale, Mary lies in bed with Cary, realizing that her new relationship is even more suffocating than her last. This moment marks a painful conclusion to their individual searches for happiness.