45 Years

Five years prior, Kate and Geoff Mercer had to cancel their 40th wedding anniversary celebration due to Geoff's heart bypass surgery. This event acts as a turning point in their relationship, introducing health concerns that will resurface as they prepare for their next milestone.

As Kate and Geoff prepare for their upcoming 45th anniversary, they plan to celebrate with friends at the Assembly House in Norwich. The anticipation is palpable, setting the stage for the unraveling of hidden emotions and memories.

Geoff receives a letter that reveals the body of Katya, his former lover, has been found in a melting glacier in Switzerland. This shocking news disturbs the couple's preparations, bringing up past relationships that Geoff has kept hidden.

In the wake of the revelation about Katya, Geoff begins to show signs of distress and becomes increasingly withdrawn. While Kate tries to maintain normalcy, Geoff's unresolved feelings start to affect their dynamic as a couple.

One night, Geoff rummages through the attic and shares a photograph of Katya with Kate. This moment heightens Kate's unease, especially when she notices the striking resemblance between herself and Katya, which stirs up feelings of jealousy and insecurity.

While Geoff attends a reunion luncheon, Kate explores the attic further and makes a shocking discovery. She stumbles upon a scrapbook filled with memorabilia from Geoff's past, including their last hiking trip together, deepening her feelings of betrayal.

As Kate continues to explore Geoff's scrapbook, she comes across slides that suggest Katya was pregnant when she died. This revelation devastates Kate, leading her to question the choices they have made in their marriage and her husband's commitment.

Feeling betrayed by Geoff's secrecy, Kate confronts him about his strange behavior regarding their planned trip to Switzerland. Although she keeps her attic discovery hidden, she expresses her belief that Katya's shadow looms over their life choices.

In an attempt to reassure Kate, Geoff promises a 'fresh start' for their marriage. He tries to demonstrate this with simple gestures, like preparing breakfast in bed, but the underlying tension remains palpable and unresolved.

The couple's anniversary celebration kicks off in the historic Grand Hall, filled with friends and good cheer. Geoff even delivers a heartwarming speech, reaffirming his love for Kate, yet the atmosphere is heavy with unspoken feelings.

During the first dance, the song 'Smoke Gets in Your Eyes' plays, reminiscent of their wedding day. While Geoff dances joyfully, Kate feels increasingly uncomfortable, signifying the emotional distance growing between them.

As the song concludes, Geoff exuberantly raises their hands in celebration, but Kate abruptly pulls her arm down. This moment encapsulates her feelings of isolation and signals the uncertainty in their relationship amidst the festivities.