Hester Collyer (Rachel Weisz), a forty-year old woman, has left a privileged life with her husband, Sir William Collyer (Simon Russell Beale) in order to live with a young ex-RAF pilot, Freddie Page (Tom Hiddleston). But Hester and Freddie's relationship is characterized by drunken rows; though their love-life is passionate- they have little in common. When Freddie forgets her birthday, Hester attempts to kill herself. As a result, Hester's husband re- enters her life and offers her a second chance with him, which Hester refuses.
Shaken by her suicide attempt, Freddie tells Hester the relationship is over. Heartbroken, Hester considers suicide again at a tube station, but changes her mind. Back at her apartment, the other tenants tell her that nobody is worth dying for. Hester finds Freddie at home, but he will leave the next day. This time, Hester doesn't ask him to stay. She now recognizes that the relationship is over. Freddie leaves and Hester decides to face her uncertain future alone.