A long dusty road, two women - mother and daughter - travelling to an unknown destination. A lopsided conversation, between the mother Adele (Susan Sarandon) and the 14 year-old daughter Ann August (Natalie Portman) reveals that they have different choices in life and want to head in different directions. One would think it's the same old story about generation gap but it's not. It's all about different mindsets, attitudes to life, ambitions and evolving relationships that bind a family together, especially women.

A midsummer drive on the highway, the Mercedes zooms towards Beverly Hills away from Baycity, the home of the two. So, while Adele is all gung-ho about a new life that promises luxury, bigger dreams and adventures, Ann only feels uprooted. Their first stop is at the Los Angeles Beverly Hills Hotels, a symbol of Adele's quest. They then head off to a Travel lodge motel and the story unwinds into what becomes of their lives there on - dinners and a very ordinary one bedroom apartment in the flats of Beverly.

How the two adjust to their new surroundings, build their life and other relationships as the days roll by tells a story by itself.

A flirtation with a dentist, Josh (Hart Bochner), in a brief span grows into an all-consuming passion for Adele. How a mature woman like Adele falls into this love game, where she turns into a young girl again, full of dreams and goes into total depression after Josh dumps her has been given a real sensitive feel. Another very sensitive scene is where Adele sneaks and watches Ann perform in the audition room. Here, to her horror Adele finds that Ann is mimicking her, picking up the worst of her habits and lifestyle.