After suffering a minor heart attack, Penelope Keeling (Vanessa Redgrave) takes time to reflect on her life so far; heartbreak, three estranged children, and an unhappy marriage have all taken their toll. When her daughter's lover, Cosmo (Sebastian Koch) brings his daughter Antonia (Stephanie Stumph) to stay, Penelope learns that she has fallen for the mysterious Danus (Lucas Gregorawicz). Seeing the relationship as doomed, Penelope believes they must learn from her mistakes if the heartbreak and loss she suffered with her wartime lover are not to be repeated. The discovery that a painting by her artist father is worth a small fortune leads to a gathering of the family, where Penelope discovers their true characters.