In this heartwarming drama, based on the French novel and film LE GRAND CHEMIN, a visit by Willard Young (Elijah Wood), a young boy, changes the lives of Lily and Ben Reed (Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, who were married in real life at the time they made this film). A young, married couple, the Reeds are having problems with their relationship. When Willard's pregnant mother sends him to stay with the Reeds, their own problems interfere with his becoming acclimated to his new environment. However, soon a young girl (Thora Birch) intervenes to become his friend, transforms all their lives.