Screenwriter Alice Birch and director Eva Husson prove the perfect creative duo to bring the rich sensuality of this story to the screen. In Henley, in the mid-1920s, young maid Jane (Young) works for the Nivens, one of several local ‘grand’ families who have been devastated by the loss of sons in the First World War. Jane sneaks away for a passionate secret relationship with Paul (O’Connor), the sole surviving son from a neighbouring manor house. But Paul is engaged to be married to someone else.
Adapted from a Graham Swift novel, it’s a beautiful meditation on intimacy, love and loss.