Blume in Love 1973

Strolling through Venice’s St. Mark’s Square, Stephen Blume, a Beverly Hills divorce lawyer, wonders why he was unfaithful to Nina Blume, whom he still loves despite the breakup. Through a series of extended flashbacks, he revisits the aftermath of their divorce and the consequences of his actions, trying to understand how a relationship so deeply once mattered to him could unravel.

As Blume tries to move on and date again, he finds himself increasingly unsatisfied and wistful for the life he shared with Nina. Nina, a social worker, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, exploring new experiences like yoga and beginning a relationship with Elmo, a free-spirited unemployed musician who is twelve years younger than she.

After the divorce, Blume comes to realize how much he loved Nina and makes earnest, though sometimes humiliating and mostly futile, efforts to win her back. His struggle is further complicated by his growing fondness for Elmo, which adds tension to an already fragile triangle and tests the boundaries of friendship among the three of them.

One night Blume visits Nina’s house, ostensibly to see Elmo, but Elmo is not there. He tells Nina that he still loves her. She tells him to leave, but he forces himself on her. Nina then reveals to Elmo that Blume raped her. Blume admits the rape, and Elmo reacts with a burst of anger, punching him and ending their friendship.

Elmo visits Blume’s office to tell him that Nina is pregnant with Blume’s baby. He also says he is leaving town because > it’s time to go. Blume tells Nina that he wants to help support the child, but she remains hesitant. They stay in communication, and Nina asks Blume to leave town for two weeks so she can decide what she wants.

Blume spends those two weeks in Venice, and when he glimpses Nina across the square, they share a warm, final embrace.