In post-war America, a young couple, Frank and April Wheeler, find themselves caught in the gears of societal expectations. Living in the Connecticut suburbs with their two children, they project an image of domestic bliss but feel suffocated by the mundane reality of their lives. Frank is trapped in a job he despises, while April mourns the loss of her aspirations to become an actress. Their marriage suffers under the weight of unfulfilled dreams and the pressing question of whether love alone is enough to sustain happiness. The Wheelers are emblematic of the struggle to reconcile personal desires with societal norms, capturing a moment in American history where the pursuit of individual fulfillment begins to challenge traditional roles and expectations.

In an attempt to escape their dissatisfaction, April devises a plan to move the family to Paris, a city she believes symbolizes the freedom and artistic fulfillment they yearn for. This decision sparks a flicker of hope for renewal, offering them a chance to break free from the constraints of their conventional life. However, as they begin to prepare for their departure, the realities of their situation and the pressures from those around them start to test the strength of their resolve. The dream of a different life becomes a lens through which the cracks in their relationship and their own characters are magnified, pushing both Frank and April to confront the truth about themselves and their marriage.