The film follows the lives of four African American women living in Phoenix, Arizona, who navigate through love, relationships, and personal growth. Each woman faces her own set of challenges and aspirations as they seek fulfillment and happiness in their lives.
The main characters include:
Savannah Jackson (played by Whitney Houston): Savannah is a successful television producer who longs for a committed and loving relationship. However, she struggles with finding a man who respects her and shares her values.
Bernadine Harris (played by Angela Bassett): Bernadine is a wealthy woman who devoted her life to supporting her husband’s career, only to be betrayed when he leaves her for a younger woman. She grapples with anger and bitterness as she tries to rebuild her life as a single mother.
Robin Stokes (played by Lela Rochon): Robin is a high-powered executive who is beautiful and successful but struggles with low self-esteem and a pattern of dating married men. She yearns for a healthy and authentic relationship but finds it difficult to trust and open up to others.
Gloria Matthews (played by Loretta Devine): Gloria is a devoted single mother who works as a salon owner. Despite her nurturing nature, she struggles with feelings of loneliness and yearns for companionship and love.
As the women navigate through their personal and professional lives, they lean on each other for support and understanding. They share their triumphs and tribulations, providing a source of strength and inspiration for one another.
Throughout the film, the women experience various romantic encounters and setbacks, each learning valuable lessons about love, self-worth, and empowerment. They confront issues of infidelity, heartbreak, and societal expectations while striving to find their own paths to happiness and fulfillment.
In the end, “Waiting to Exhale” celebrates the bonds of friendship and sisterhood among women and emphasizes the importance of self-love, resilience, and personal growth. The film resonated with audiences for its honest portrayal of female relationships and its exploration of the complexities of modern romance and womanhood.