The film follows 17-year-old Cassandra Mortmain (Romola Garai) and the fortunes of her eccentric family, struggling to survive in a decaying English castle. Her father (Bill Nighy) is desperate to repeat the spectacular success of his first novel, but hasn't written a word for 12 years; her exquisite sister Rose (Rose Byrne) can only rail against their fate; and their Bohemian stepmother Topaz (Tara Fitzgerald) is a nudist and no help at all. Salvation comes in the form of their handsome new American landlord Simon Cotton (Henry Thomas) and his brother Neil (Marc Blucas). Although initially repelled by Simon, Rose is determined to make him fall in love with her. But events spiral out of control, and before the summer ends there will be frustrated desire, first love, and broken hearts.
