The movie depicts Ted Kramer as a driven, successful advertising executive who prioritizes his career over his family. He initially struggles with the responsibilities of being a single parent and figuring out how to be a good father to his son. Joanna Kramer, on the other hand, is portrayed as a frustrated, unfulfilled housewife who wants more out of life. She leaves her husband and son to pursue her own interests and find her own identity. The movie shows the transformation of Ted and Joanna as they learn to become better parents and individuals through their struggle.