Middle-aged widow Mildred Hawks (Gena Rowlands) is having problems relating to her rebellious daughter, so she begins a friendship with abused mom Monica (Marisa Tomei) and, in particular, Monica's young son. Later, Mildred forms a bond with Big Tommy (Gerard Depardieu), a French truck driver who develops a serious crush on her. The ups and downs of these relationships teach the already wise Mildred a few more things about life -- and herself.