Twice in a Lifetime (1985) is a poignant family drama that explores the complex emotional fallout when a long-term marriage unravels. The film centers on Harry Mackenzie, a 50-year-old steelworker played with remarkable nuance by Gene Hackman, who begins an extramarital relationship with a younger woman. This decision sends shockwaves through his family, creating painful divisions between his devoted wife Kate (Ellen Burstyn) and their grown children, who must navigate their own conflicting loyalties.

Directed by Bud Yorkin, the film excels in its authentic portrayal of middle-aged restlessness and familial disintegration. Hackman delivers one of his most understated performances, capturing the quiet desperation of a man seeking renewal, while Burstyn is heartbreaking as the wife confronting unexpected abandonment. The supporting cast, including Amy Madigan and Ally Sheedy as the conflicted daughters, adds depth to this examination of how one person's choices can redefine an entire family's dynamics.

What makes Twice in a Lifetime worth watching is its refusal to simplify moral complexities. The film presents all perspectives with empathy, avoiding easy villains or heroes. Its 1980s setting provides a fascinating time capsule of shifting social norms around marriage and commitment. For viewers interested in character-driven dramas about real human relationships, this film offers thoughtful storytelling and superb performances that resonate long after the credits roll.