Johnny (Al Pacino) is a gentle, lonely short-order cook recently released from prison. He falls for Frankie (Michelle Pfeiffer), a wary, emotionally guarded waitress working at the same New York diner. Despite her repeated rejections, Johnny persistently — yet respectfully — tries to earn her trust and love. The film unfolds over a single weekend in their tiny apartments, exploring loneliness, past trauma, and the possibility of a second chance at love.