Judith (Holly Hunter) is a woman who feels lost. When she was younger, she quit her medical studies to marry Robert (Martin Donovan), a successful physician. When Robert leaves Judith to be with another, younger, doctor, Judith is left alone to figure out her new life and how to make something meaningful out of it. Judith soon meets Pat Francato (Danny DeVito), who works in her apartment building as the elevator operator. She soon learns of Pat's hardships, from gambling debts and the tragic loss of his daughter. Can these two sad, down on their luck individuals find some comfort and friendship with one another, and try to find some meaning to their lives?