Cousins 1989

Larry Kozinski Ted Danson and Maria Hardy Isabella Rossellini meet at the wedding that ties their families together: Larry’s uncle Phil George Coe weds Edie Norma Aleandro, Maria’s widowed mother. The couple quickly strike up a conversation and realize that both of their spouses, Tish Kozinski Sean Young and Tom Hardy William Petersen, are missing. When Tom and Tish reappear, Tom explains that he was showing Tish a car and it broke down; he insists he intends to end his indiscretions, though a later visit suggests otherwise. Tish remains wary, but the tension between the two is undeniable.

Not long afterward, Phil dies suddenly during a large family gathering. Phil’s brother Vince Lloyd Bridges arrives for the funeral and is immediately drawn to Edie, setting the stage for a fragile tension between longing and loyalty.

A few weeks later, Maria meets with Larry to discuss the affair between Tish and Tom. Larry starts off calm, but his anger soon flares as he navigates the tangled web of marriages. Maria admits she had lunch with Larry, knowing it would upset Tom, and the two decide to keep their relationship light, yet their chemistry repeatedly pulls them back toward each other. They stage a chance encounter at a restaurant where Edie, Vince, and Mitch Kozinski Keith Coogan are in attendance, a scene that feels both charged and reckless.

Over time, Larry and Maria realize they are in love. They eventually consummate their relationship. Maria returns home late and confronts Tom, admitting her true feelings for Larry. Tom phones Larry’s house and threatens him. Vince answers the call and momentarily mistakes it for a message from beyond the grave, warning him away from Edie. The tension at home intensifies as Tish leaves Tom and the couple’s complicated triangle grows more painful.

Maria learns Chloe Katharine Isabelle has been instigating fights at school as a way to deal with the turmoil at home. Realizing she must choose her priorities, Maria ends the affair to devote herself to Chloe and her marriage.

Meanwhile, Vince suggests to Larry that he should pursue happiness, while he confesses his own love for Edie. At Vince and Edie’s wedding, Larry spots Maria and asks her to dance, sparking a moment of hope. Tom overhears and warns that he could walk away. Maria ultimately chooses to be with Larry.

Finally, the film closes with an epilogue: Larry and Maria sail away with their children, living the dream they built together after a storm of jealousy, secrets, and family loyalties.