Benjamin Braddock returns home to California after successfully completing college. He gets a hero's welcome from his parents but Ben isn't quite sure what to do with the rest of his life. He is soon seduced by Mrs. Robinson, the wife of his father's partner, who methodically pursues the inexperienced young man. Soon, they are meeting regularly in hotel rooms. Warned by her to stay away from her daughter Elaine, his father goads him into taking her out on a date. He finds he quite likes Elaine but when she learns he's been having an affair with her own mother, she'll have nothing to do with him. He's smitten however and pursues her.
Benjamin and Elaine, having just escaped Elaine’s wedding, sit at the back of a city bus. Their relieved smiles slowly fade as Simon & Garfunkel plays and the camera holds. Nichols simply waits. The shot lasts long enough for both of them — and the audience — to realize they have absolutely no idea what comes next.
