Afterglow (1997 film)

Afterglow is a 1997 independent drama film directed by Alan Rudolph, starring Nick Nolte, Julie Christie, Lara Flynn Boyle, and Jonny Lee Miller. The film explores themes of marital dissatisfaction, infidelity, and the complexities of long-term relationships through the intersecting lives of two couples in Montreal.

The plot centers around Phyllis Mann (Christie), a former B-movie actress feeling insecure and neglected in her marriage to Lucky Mann (Nolte), a handyman with a wandering eye. Their lives intertwine with those of Marianne Byron (Boyle) and Jeffrey Byron (Miller), a younger, seemingly more successful couple also struggling with intimacy and communication. Marianne is increasingly frustrated with Jeffrey's workaholism and emotional unavailability, leading her to seek solace and attention elsewhere.

The film is characterized by its character-driven narrative and its exploration of the emotional vulnerabilities and desires of its characters. Rudolph's direction emphasizes dialogue and nuanced performances to convey the complexities of human relationships.

Afterglow received generally positive reviews, with particular praise directed at the performances of Christie and Nolte. Christie received nominations for an Academy Award for Best Actress and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama for her role in the film.