Lydia Anderson lives alone in a large old homestead in small town New Zealand. More child than woman, she has spent much of her life making costumes for the local amateur theatre and harboring fantasies for the boy next door, Christian Hill.  

Lydia has never found the courage to tell Christian her true feelings. When he informs her that he will be leaving Lydia is devastated.

When enigmatic young Luella Miller arrives in town in desperate circumstances, Lydia takes pity on the young woman and invites Luella to stay with her. Luella’s presence instantly disrupts the delicate balance of this small town. She usurps the local theatre director’s wife in the local production’s lead role, seduces her husband and rudely awakens Lydia’s dormant sexuality. A bitter jealously develops when Christian, along with the other men of the town, falls under Luella's spell.

While the town’s women plot to get rid of her, Luella learns of Lydia's secret love for Christian, and takes it upon herself to play the matchmaker. She delivers Christian to Lydia in a way more unexpected and shattering that anyone could have imagined. The result of this tragedy will be far more controversial than any small town gossip could ever hope for as blood flows freely.