Restless and unhappy, two couples get caught up in infidelity and deception. Barry (Aaron Eckhart) is a sullen businessman married to Mary (Amy Brenneman), a writer who is unsatisfied with their relationship. Mary begins an affair with Jerry (Ben Stiller), a smug theater professor and husband of her friend, Terri (Catherine Keener), who is also a writer. Adding to the adulterous mix are Cary (Jason Patric), a callous doctor, and Cheri (Nastassja Kinski), an art-gallery assistant.