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.
Where to watch
Not streaming anywhere
Not on any streaming service in United States, and not available to rent.
Your rating
Your review
Cast
4 people
John Carney Director · Tom Hall Director J. Patrick Duffner Editor
First release January 1, 1998 · Produced in Ireland · Production Early Town Films
Production
Samson Films
Production
Early Town Films
Production
Ireland
Produced in
Languages
Original language
English
Spoken on screen
English
Release dates
Ireland · January 1, 1998
TV · 1998 - exact air date unknown
No release date listed for United States.
More from John Carney
Other films they directed, best known first.
If you liked Just in Time
Picks that share its genres, themes, cast and crew.