1980s Northern Ireland: Cal (John Lynch) is a member of the Irish Republican Army, but has no stomach for the jobs he is asked to do, including driving the getaway car of the killer of a Protestant police officer.
With his guilt eating away at him, he longs to defect from the organization, but Cal meets librarian Marcella (Helen Mirren), the widow of the slain officer, and is instantly drawn to her.
Their mutual feelings of confusion and distress bring them together, but their relationship faces obstacles as Cal must hide his secret from Marcella, while also dodging the police.
The two leads give their individual characters great substance, which only adds to the irresistible chemistry which is more than evident on screen.
Helen Mirren bagged the Best Actress award in Cannes for this multi-BAFTA-nominated classic. One to revisit!