An Unmarried Woman 1978

In the midst of what appears to be a perfect life, Erica Benton faces turmoil when she discovers that her husband, Martin, a successful businessman, has been engaged in a scandalous affair with a significantly younger woman named Marcia. This shocking revelation sends ripples through their spectacular marriage, ultimately prompting Martin to leave their luxurious Upper East Side residence, leaving Erica to grapple with feelings of profound betrayal.

As she navigates the painful aftermath of her marriage’s collapse, Erica seeks support from her intimate circle of friends, including her daughter, Patti, who plays a crucial role in her emotional recovery. With the help of a therapist, Erica gradually begins to restore her fractured self-esteem and tentatively explores the idea of dating again.

However, her journey is fraught with challenges, highlighted by an ill-fated blind date and an ingrained skepticism about men that threatens to impact her relationship with Patti and her boyfriend Phil. In a misguided effort to fill the emotional void left by Martin, Erica turns to Charlie, a rather obnoxious co-worker, only to find their encounter lacking in fulfillment.

As Erica takes tentative steps towards rebuilding her life, she crosses paths with Saul, an abstract artist who resonates with her quest for independence. Nonetheless, their budding relationship is clouded by obstacles as both struggle to balance their desire for freedom with the responsibilities of domestic life. Patti’s early animosity toward Saul adds another layer of complexity, prompting Erica to worry that she might be attempting to replace Martin in her daughter’s heart.

Just when it seems that Erica and Martin might reach a semblance of mutual understanding, Martin delivers shocking news: Marcia has walked away from him, and he wishes to rekindle their relationship. Yet, Erica is steadfast in her resolve to move forward, unwilling to revisit their fraught past.

Saul proposes that Erica join him for the summer at his home in Vermont, where he resides with his children for five months each year. However, she hesitates, determined not to forsake her life and daughter. In a touching scene outside Saul’s building, Erica assists him in lowering one of his paintings from his loft down to the street, only to be taken aback when he reveals that it is a gift meant for her—leaving her to navigate the bustling streets of Manhattan while awkwardly carrying the cumbersome canvas.