Early Town Films

Karen and her husband come to Dublin to visit her brother. Tensions arise when there are indications that Karin and her brother may have an incestuous relationship.

Frank is a confident, charming author with a secret mistress in London; a relationship he wants to keep casual. Frank's secret is a burden he bears lightly, but he finds himself increasingly drawn into examining his unworthiness which ultimately horrifies him. Maria, an artist, is his good humoured wife putting a brave face on his neglect. Feeling increasingly emotional and isolated as she approaches middle age, she eventually breaks down admitting her loneliness at Frank's absences. The cathartic point of the film is when Michael, the co-owner of the cottage where they're staying, pays a visit with a woman other than his wife. Not knowing that he has left his wife and has moved in with this other woman, embarrassment and awkwardness increase, straining this social setting. With the illicit couple hot-footing it back to the city, Frank and Maria are left feeling threatened trying to reason the situation, at the midst of which lies Frank's secret.