Martin Scorsese directs and co-writes this adaptation of Edith Wharton's novel. Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis) is betrothed to May Welland (Winona Ryder), a sensible woman who befits his respectable social position. When May's cousin, the beautiful and sophisticated Countess Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer) returns from Europe amidst a scandal, she provokes a passionate and uncontrollable love in Newland and he is torn between two possible futures.