Meryl Streep gives one of the greatest performances of her career as Susan Traherne, an idealistic young Englishwoman haunted by the memory of her passionate liaison with a young spy (Sam Neill) in occupied France. Over the next 20 years in post-war Britain, Susan's disillusionment and emotional instability creates chaos in the lives of those around her, including her long-suffering diplomat husband (Charles Dance), her trusted best friend (Tracey Ullman) and her angry young lover (Sting). Even though the glory of the 'good war' is ended, Susan's destructive struggle with a life of plenty has only just begun.