Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep are such dramatic heavyweights that it's difficult to see them as ordinary people involved in a typical affair. Yet this light romance succeeds thanks to their subtle performances as the separately married Manhattan commuters (architect Frank and graphic artist Molly) whose daily contact becomes mutual obsession. Ulu Grosbard's rather stilted direction is a hindrance, but De Niro and Streep, reunited for the first time after the award-winning success of The Deer Hunter, more than compensate.

During shopping for Christmas, Frank and Molly run into each other. This fleeting short moment will start to change their lives, when they recognize each other months later in the train home and have a good time together. Although both are married and Frank has two little kids, they meet more and more often, their friendship becoming the most precious thing in their lives.