Love Hurts 1990

Paul Weaver is a father of two who has long treated his wife, Nancy Weaver, with a casual, flirting attitude dating back to his baseball days. When divorce papers arrive, a workmate persuades him to travel to Pennsylvania to attend his sister Karen Weaver’s wedding to Doug Whipkey.

Back home, Nancy Weaver and their two children Sarah Weaver and David Weaver have moved into his parents’ house while repairs are done. Paul is surprised to find them there, thinking Nancy wants to avoid him.

To bridge the gap, Paul offers to send them to a motel for the night. They fight, and Paul leaves. On the road, he comes across a broken-down pickup and gives a lift to Susan Volcheck and her son, whom he later realizes is a bridesmaid for Karen’s wedding. He ends up going back to the game with them, sharing awkward moments as he flirts and tries to keep things light. Danny Volcheck, Susan’s husband, arrives later and drives off in anger, adding another layer of tension to the trip.

Back at his parents’ house, Paul tries to reconnect with his children. David encourages him to come inside, but Sarah remains aloof and even steals money from him, prompting Nancy to step in. When Paul won’t let Sarah place the blame on him, she leaves, and Nancy consoles him, confessing that she misses him.

Boomer, Paul’s father, takes the rental car and drinks at a bar; Paul finds him there, and Doug and David soon join for a makeshift bachelor party. Meanwhile, the women have their hen party in a restaurant, and the intoxicated men are driven by David to crash the gathering.

Paul and Susan begin to reconnect, but Nancy cuts it short by bringing up his lifelong infidelity. Paul confesses that Nancy is the only woman he has ever loved, then places the puppy on a sleeping child and exits the scene.

On the day of Karen’s wedding, pouring rain tests everyone’s nerves. Boomer bows out, and Paul steps in to walk Karen down the aisle, helping her steady herself as she prepares to say “I do.”

With a free hour before the reception, Paul takes Sarah to a motel. They share a kiss, but the moment reveals a deeper loneliness in Sarah, and Paul resolves to be there for her as a friend rather than anything more.

At the reception, Boomer stops by to apologize for not being at the ceremony. Susan participates in the money dance, collecting tips before leaving soon after. Paul, unable to find his daughter to dance, and Nancy eventually locate Sarah, who is trying to hitch a ride to the station. Paul runs after her, and after a heartfelt conversation, he convinces Nancy to let Susan move back to New York City with him, signaling a plan for a renewed, if unconventional, family arrangement.