The Door in the Floor

Two teenage sons die in a car crash, throwing the Coles into a private collapse that ripples through every corner of their lives. Marion withdraws from Ted and their daughter Ruth. Ted, a best selling writer, takes on a young assistant named Eddie, who seems unnervingly tied to the tragedy. The couple grows distant and the family routines fray. Marion begins an affair with Eddie, while Ted turns his attention to his neighbor Evelyn. Grief reshapes their bonds and threatens the stability of a household that's already marked by artistic ambition and fragile trust. The film keeps a tight focus on adult grief rather than blockbuster shock.

Directed by Tod Williams with a screenplay by Williams and John Irving, the drama adapts Irving's novella A Door in the Floor. Based on Irving's work from the Widow for One Year cycle, it's a restrained character study, with emphasis on quiet, intimate scenes and nuanced performances. The production places emphasis on intimate interiors and naturalistic, understated performances. Its look favors a muted palette and long takes.

The film did not collect notable nominations or wins during its release. Its reception skewed toward the mixed end of the spectrum, with some critics praising performances and mood, while others found the pacing uneven and the material a bit overdetermined.

The film did not leave a lasting imprint on pop culture. It is mostly of interest to fans of John Irving adaptations and to scholars studying how grief and marital strain are portrayed on screen. Its scenes and lines are rarely cited in broader conversations about modern drama.

Critics highlighted the film's austere mood and its focus on grief, memory, and the pressure of making art within a damaged marriage. The story probes fidelity, jealousy, and the way private sorrow shapes family dynamics, supported by Bridges and Basinger in restrained performances. The direction favors quiet dialogue over loud drama.