Interconnected lives in Los Angeles unravel through hidden secrets, tragic accidents, and a devastating earthquake.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
The Interconnected Web
The film opens with medfly spraying that unites various characters across Los Angeles. Social circles form around concerts and neighborhood routines, establishing a facade of normalcy.
Key Events
Helicopter Medfly Spraying — Opening sequence establishes interconnected lives across the city Characters: Howard Finnigan, Gene Shepard, Dr. Ralph WymanLocation: Los Angeles
Zoe's Cello Performance — Characters gather for a musical performance Characters: Howard Finnigan, Dr. Ralph WymanLocation: Concert Hall
Sunday Dinner Proposal — Impulsive decision to host a dinner party Characters: Howard Finnigan, Dr. Ralph WymanLocation: Concert Venue
Gene's Secret Affair — Cop maintains a hidden relationship while married Characters: Gene ShepardLocation: Police Station
Betty's Divorce Proceedings — Betty divorces a helicopter pilot Characters: Gene ShepardLocation: Courtroom
Tragedy and Secrecy
A car accident plunges Howard's family into crisis while hidden affairs and moral compromises surface. Hospital vigils and ignored calls heighten the tension.
Key Events
Betty's Divorce Proceedings — Betty divorces a helicopter pilot Characters: Gene ShepardLocation: Courtroom
Casey Hit by Car — Tragic accident involving Howard's son Characters: Howard FinniganLocation: Street
Casey's Coma — Parents wait anxiously as son remains unconscious Characters: Howard FinniganLocation: Hospital
Andy's Repeated Calls — Howard ignores baker's calls to keep line open Characters: Howard FinniganLocation: Home
Paul Visits Hospital — Estranged father arrives, recalling past rift Characters: Howard FinniganLocation: Hospital
Moral Unraveling
The dinner party erupts into confrontation and confession. Tragedy strikes as Howard's son dies, and Zoe's suicide deepens the community's despair.
Key Events
Paul Visits Hospital — Estranged father arrives, recalling past rift Characters: Howard FinniganLocation: Hospital
Stuart's Fishing Excursion — Friends discover a submerged body Characters: Howard FinniganLocation: Lake
Body Tied to Rocks — Friends hide evidence before reporting Characters: Howard FinniganLocation: Rocks
Wyman Dinner Party — Heated argument and heavy drinking ensue Characters: Howard Finnigan, Dr. Ralph WymanLocation: Dining Room
Marian's Affair Revealed — Wife admits to infidelity during party Characters: Dr. Ralph WymanLocation: Dining Room
Casey Passes Away — Son dies despite initial hope Characters: Howard FinniganLocation: Hospital
Zoe's Garage Suicide — Zoe dies from carbon monoxide poisoning Characters: Howard FinniganLocation: Garage
Chaos and Aftermath
Shocking photos and a brutal murder escalate the narrative before a massive earthquake strikes. The tremor masks crimes and leaves the community in ambiguous ruin.
Key Events
Zoe's Garage Suicide — Zoe dies from carbon monoxide poisoning Characters: Howard FinniganLocation: Garage
Tess Finds Zoe — Mother discovers body and drinks heavily Characters: Howard FinniganLocation: Garage
Honey's Shocking Photos — Mixed photos reveal crime and abuse Characters: Howard FinniganLocation: Fotomat
Jerry Kills Girl — Jerry murders a young woman Characters: Howard FinniganLocation: Picnic Area
Major Earthquake — Devastating tremor causes widespread chaos Characters: Howard Finnigan, Gene Shepard, Dr. Ralph WymanLocation: City
Earthquake Cover-Up — Crime potentially blamed on natural disaster Characters: Howard Finnigan, Gene Shepard, Dr. Ralph WymanLocation: City
Story Breakdown
Social Interconnections — Introduction of characters and their overlapping social circles
Concert Gathering — Characters meet at a cello performance
Dinner Invitation — Impulsive plan to host a Sunday dinner
Hidden Infidelities — Secret affairs and marital tensions surface
Gene's Affairs — Cop maintains a hidden relationship
Marian's Confession — Wife admits infidelity during dinner
Aftermath Ambiguity — Crimes potentially blamed on natural disaster
Many loosely connected characters cross paths in this film, based on the stories of Raymond Carver. Waitress Doreen Piggot accidentally runs into a boy with her car. Soon after walking away, the child lapses into a coma. While at the hospital, the boy's grandfather tells his son, Howard, about his past affairs. Meanwhile, a baker starts harassing the family when they fail to pick up the boy's birthday cake.
