Waiting to Exhale
Cheated on, mistreated and stepped on, the women are holding their breath, waiting for the elusive "good man" to break a string of less-than-stellar lovers. Friends and confidants Vannah, Bernie, Glo and Robin talk it all out, determined to find a better way to breathe.
Critics Sentiment
Bernadine burns John's belongings in her driveway
John calmly announces to Bernadine he wants a divorce
The devastating divorce announcement immediately followed by Bernadine's cathartic revenge bonfire creates the film's most dramatic emotional shift.
Waiting to Exhale maintains steady audience appreciation anchored by strong female friendships and Angela Bassett's powerhouse performance. The film peaks during Bernadine's revenge sequence but struggles with repetitive relationship dynamics and perceived man-bashing that wear thin over the runtime. Despite these criticisms, viewers consistently praised the female solidarity and authentic friendship bonds.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 47
Whitney Houston
Savannah
Angela Bassett
Bernadine
Loretta Devine
Gloria
Lela Rochon
Robin
Gregory Hines
Marvin
Dennis Haysbert
Kenneth
Mykelti Williamson
Troy
Michael Beach
John, Sr.
Leon
Russell
Wendell Pierce
Michael
Donald Faison
Tarik
Jeffrey D. Sams
Lionel
Jazz Raycole
Onika
Brandon Hammond
John, Jr.
Kenya Moore
Denise
Lamont Johnson
Joseph
Wren T. Brown
Minister
Theo
On Air D.J.
Ken Love
DJ at the Hermosa
Graham Galloway
Fireman
Crew
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