Alice Green (Meg Ryan) is a devoted wife, loving mother, and successful school counselor, but she harbors a dark secret—she is an alcoholic. Her husband, Michael Green (Andy García), is a caring and supportive airline pilot who struggles to recognize the severity of Alice’s addiction. Though their relationship appears strong, Alice’s drinking spirals out of control, leading to neglect of their two daughters and reckless behavior.

After a particularly dangerous incident, Alice acknowledges her problem and enters rehab. This marks a turning point, but the real challenge begins when she returns home. As Alice works through her recovery, she becomes more independent and self-aware, leading to tension in her marriage. Michael, who has always been the caretaker, feels lost and unable to adjust to their new dynamic. He realizes that he enabled her addiction in ways he never understood.

The film poignantly depicts how alcoholism affects not just the individual but the entire family. It highlights the emotional toll of addiction and the challenges of rebuilding trust and intimacy after recovery. Meg Ryan delivers a powerful performance, portraying Alice’s vulnerability and strength, while Andy García effectively conveys the pain of a man who loves deeply but must learn to let go.

When a Man Loves a Woman is a deeply moving film that goes beyond a typical love story. It offers a raw and honest look at addiction, the resilience of relationships, and the difficult journey toward healing and self-discovery.