Waiting to Exhale is based on the novel by Terry McMillan which follows four women, Savannah 'Vannah' Jackson (Whitney Houston), Bernadine 'Bernie' Harris (Angela Bassett), Gloria 'Glo' Matthews (Loretta Devine) and Robin Stokes (Lela Rochan) as they go through the ups and downs of life. The movie shows how important having these friendships is when trouble brews with their relationships, jobs and their families. The story is focused on African American women who lead very different lives but always come together in the end.