Gemma and Will are shattered when their son dies in an accident. Gemma blames herself and starts to have panic attacks that affect her eyesight - her point of view is viscerally shared with the audience. At the same time, Will believes he is hearing his son's voice calling out to him. To escape their grief, Gemma suggests they take up a new acquaintance Paul's offer to stay at his Lake District country getaway. Gemma, helped by ex-pharmacist Paul, tries to stop her panic attacks with medication. Will, believing in the supernatural continued presence of his lost son, returns home to be with him. This leaves Gemma alone with Paul who appears to be developing genuine feelings for her welfare. Love, grief, and the frailty of the human condition are all brought to the fore as Gemma Will and Paul are caught up in a descent into violence, first psychological and ultimately physical.