In Philadelphia, the irresponsible and selfish Maggie is a drunken promiscuous woman. Her sister Rose is the opposite: a responsible lawyer but very needy and has is a compulsive shopaholic buying shoes to relief her frustrations. Maggie is expelled from her father's home by her stepmother, and lodges at her sister's apartment. When Maggie has a one night stand with Rose's boyfriend, Rose sends her sister away. She finds letters and postcards hidden in her father's drawer from her missing grandmother Ella Hirsch. She believed Ella was dead but actually lives in a retirement compound in Florida so she decides to travel to meet Ella. With Ella, Maggie changes, becoming another woman and improving the relationships in her family.

Director Curtis Hanson approached Toni Collette before filming and asked the actress about gaining weight for the part. Collette had complied and proceeded to gain 25 pounds for the part, which she subsequently lost during the film's shooting which is to reflect her character.

Simon Stein:
Does this mean that I'm your bitch?


Rose Feller:
Do you want to be my bitch?


Simon Stein:
I have wanted to be your bitch since my first day at Dommel.

Continuity: Maggie carries bag and black plastic "luggage" getting off the train and making phone call. But when she walks into grandma's room, the bag is missing.

Written by Duke Erikson, Mike Jones, Shirley Manson, Steve Marker,
Joe Strummer and Butch Vig
Performed by Garbage
Courtesy of Almo Sounds