In seeking suitably cinematic solutions to the considerable problems posed by Margaret Edson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, The Graduate director Mike Nichols here places the greatest emphasis on the text, with its wealth of allusions, rhythms and insights. Moreover, he refuses to be intimidated by its unashamedly intellectual discussion of the religious poetry of John Donne and the emotions experienced by literary scholar Emma Thompson, as she takes a leap of faith in battling ovarian cancer. The various flashbacks and monologues may not disguise all the narrative expedients, but such is the intensity and honesty of Thompson's performance that the occasional contrivance can be forgiven.

A renowned professor is forced to reassess her life when she is diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer.