Chantilly Lace

Overview

Several female friends gather at a Colorado Rockies vacation home over the course of a year. The women include Natalie, a film critic who is turning 40, as well as Hannah, an artist who is married to Natalie’s ex-husband. There is also Val, a woman in an unhappy marriage, and Val’s closeted lesbian younger sister Elizabeth, who brings along her photojournalist friend Anne. Rounding out the group are Maggie, a nun who is having a crisis of faith, and Rheza, a recent divorcée.

During the story, the group meets three times, with the first occasion being a celebration of Natalie’s 40th birthday. The second occasion is to celebrate one’s engagement, while the third gathering is to grieve one’s death. Throughout the gatherings, secrets are divulged, tensions are rehashed, and friendships are tested and reaffirmed.