It's 1920s England, and the coastal town of Gravely is finally enjoying
a fragile peace after World War I. John Lowell, a naturalist who writes
articles on the flora and fauna of the shoreline, and his wife Harriet,
lead a simple life, basking in their love for each other and enjoying
the company of John's visiting old school friend, David. But when an
American whaler arrives in town with his beautiful red-haired daughters,
boasting of his plans to build a pier and pleasure-grounds a mile out to
sea, unexpected tensions and temptations arise. As secrets multiply,
Harriet, John, and David must each ask themselves: what price is to be
paid for pleasure?