Ray, played by Pete Postlethwaite, is a middle-aged father living in Sheffield, facing personal setbacks and financial difficulties. His life is marked by a sense of struggle and a desire for escapism. Separated from his wife, Ray finds solace in his close friendship with his younger flatmate, Steve, portrayed by James Thornton, and shares a strong passion for climbing. Their bond is strengthened through their shared work, as they and their small group of friends secure temporary, cash-in-hand jobs painting the enormous electricity pylons across the Yorkshire Moors. Despite the dangerous, unpredictable nature of their work and tight deadlines, both Ray and Steve are grateful for the money and the thrill of climbing daily amidst the rugged landscape.
Their routine is disrupted by the arrival of Gerry, an energetic and adventurous Australian backpacker played by Rachel Griffiths. Gerry’s vibrant personality and climbing talent soon attract Ray, leading to a blossoming romance between them. Despite her apparent interest in Ray, she also shares a playful connection with Steve, which becomes more apparent as they spend time together. One summer evening, Ray and Gerry leave Steve behind after a night of drinking at a local bar, and the couple is seen sharing an intimate, carefree moment as they frolic nude under a wet cooling tower. This scene highlights the growing closeness and complexity of their relationships.
As their bond deepens, Ray begins to consider a more committed future and eventually proposes marriage to Gerry. However, Gerry is uncertain about settling down, haunted by her nomadic nature and fear of giving up her free-spirited lifestyle. Her doubts become clearer when she and Steve, both feeling the infliction of their adventurous spirits, are caught drinking vodka atop a tall pylon—an act of reckless daredevilry that leads to immediate consequences. Ray, upset and worried, confronts Gerry and urges her to consider the stability of their relationship, but she confesses her inability to make such a commitment, revealing her fears of losing her independence.
Meanwhile, Steve, whose friendship with Ray has become increasingly strained due to jealousy and unspoken tensions, decides to leave their shared flat and plan a future trip to India. During this time, he and Gerry share a brief, impulsive sexual encounter, but they soon recognize the inappropriateness of their actions and decide to back away from the affair. Gerry, feeling regret and yearning for connection, waits outside Ray’s home, hoping for reconciliation. However, Ray, overwhelmed by the complex web of emotions and uncertainties, coldly rejects her.
The emotional turmoil culminates tragically when Gerry, attempting to find clarity through a solo rock climb, falls and sustains serious injuries, leading to her hospitalization. During this crisis, Steve, visibly upset, informs Ray of Gerry’s accident, and the scene coincides with a dangerous moment when the pylons they work on are energized again. The crew narrowly escapes electrocution, highlighting the perilous nature of their work and life choices.
As their summer work concludes, the crew is visited by Derek, an official from the electricity company who had promised they’d be paid, but now can only apologize, leaving the workers uncertain about their wages and future prospects. The film ends on an ambiguous note: Steve prepares to leave for India, Gerry decides to return to Australia, and Ray remains on the bleak Yorkshire Moors, contemplating his limited options and the uncertain course of his life. The story leaves viewers with a sense of unresolved tension, capturing the fleeting and precarious nature of youth, friendship, love, and risk.
