Michael Winterbottom (Welcome to Sarajevo) sets his latest film, one of his most satisfying and appealing features to date, in the bustling world of South London. Three sisters and their parents have their indomitable will and resilience tested over four days in November when their individual predicaments worsen. Waitress Nadia (Gina, Notting Hill) meets Tom (Stuart Townsend, Resurrection Man) via a dating service and goes to bed with him but it's clear that it's just a one night stand. Hairdresser Debbie (Shirley Henderson, Trainspotting), Nadias' sister is separated from her husband Dan and lives with her 11 year old son. Her loneliness drives her into a series of fleeting sexual encounters which enrages Dan particularly when he drinks.

Her younger sister Molly (Molly Parker, The Five Senses, Sunshine) is nine months pregnant and her husband Eddie (John Simm, Human Traffic) behaves erratically by quitting his job selling kitchens to embark on a grand scheme to become a chef. When Molly confronts him they argue and he walks out on her. Their parents are locked in their own problems which have Eilleen (Kika Markham, Outland) on the verge of a nervous breakdown and Bill (Jack Shepherd, No Escape) frustrated and drifting aimlessly. As daunting as the London families difficulties become they refuse to be defeated and with the birth of Molly's baby, new hope may be on the horizon. Michael Winterbottom brings the slice-of-life, emotionally powerful story to life with great expansiveness and an extraordinary stoic humour.