The lives of Ted and Marion Cole are thrown into disarray when their two adolescent sons die in a car wreck. Marion withdraws from Ted and Ruth, the couple's daughter. Ted, a well-known writer, hires as his assistant a student named Eddie, who looks oddly similar to one of the Coles' dead sons. The couple separate, and Marion begins an affair with Eddie, while Ted has a dalliance with his neighbor Evelyn.

Jeff Bridges
as Ted Cole

Kim Basinger
as Marion Cole

Jon Foster
as Eddie O'Hare

Mimi Rogers
as Evelyn Vaughn

Elle Fanning
as Ruth Cole

Bijou Phillips
as Alice

Larry Pine
as Intervistatore

John Rothman
as Minty O'Hare

Harvey Loomis
as Dr. Loomis

Libby Langdon
as donna alla Reception