The film charts the stories of several people over a hot summer weekend in Adelaide. Photojournalist Nick (William McInnes) discovers he has testicular cancer that has spread to his lungs. On his way home he goes to the site of a train accident to report on it, and meets Meryl (Justine Clarke) an emotionally vulnerable artist, who has witnessed a man get run over by a train. Over the course of the weekend, their relationship develops sexually as another chance encounter allows them to discover more about each other; the two gradually allow themselves to let go of their fears and form a meaningful relationship.
Meanwhile, Nick's colleague, Andy Walker, has to deal with the news that his estranged girlfriend, Anna, is pregnant, made more difficult because neither of them really wanted or planned for a baby. Andy also has to cope with his ex-wife, who doesn't trust his ability to take good care of his two children.
The lives of Julia (the partner of the man run over by the train) and the driver of the train are explored: Both characters are shown going through the seven stages of grief. The train driver bridges the gap with his estranged teenage son during the course of the movie. The rain at the end of the film symbolises relief.[3]
The film ends with a flick-through montage of events: Nick in hospital, suffering the effects of treatment, Nick and Meryl's child, finally holidaying in Europe; enjoying whatever time they have left together.
2005 Won Australian Film Institute Awards: Best Film, Best Direction, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor (Anthony Hayes)
2005 Nominated Australian Film Institute Awards: Best Costume Design, Best Editing, Best Lead Actor (William McInnes), Best Lead Actress (Justine Clarke), Best Production Design, Best Sound, and Best Supporting Actress (Daniella Farinacci)
2005 WonFilm Critics Circle of Australia Awards: Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor in a Lead Role for (William McInnes), Best Original Screenplay and Best Editor