Among Giants

Ray and his younger friend Steve start their summer job painting electricity pylons in the Yorkshire Moors. Despite the tight deadlines and precarious employment, they feel grateful for the income and the thrill of climbing daily. Their routine is centered around this physically demanding and risky work.

A free-spirited Australian backpacker named Gerry arrives, bringing a new dynamic to the group. She is attractive and a talented climber, quickly forming a romantic connection with Ray, even though Steve shows some interest in her. Her arrival disrupts the existing friendship and introduces new tensions.

Ray and Gerry fall in love and share romantic moments, including a naked rendezvous under a wet cooling tower. Their relationship deepens despite interference from others, marking a significant turning point in the story. Their bond contrasts with Ray's friendship with Steve, which begins to strain.

Despite some reluctance about her wild lifestyle, Ray decides to propose marriage to Gerry, hoping to solidify their relationship. Gerry, unsure about settling down, hesitates and begins to question whether her wandering nature can be contained, leading to uncertainty about their future.

Gerry and Steve, both affected by their free-spirited lifestyles, are caught drinking vodka atop a tall pylon, endangering themselves. Ray confronts them after this reckless act, feeling anger and disappointment over their behavior, which jeopardizes their jobs and relationships.

Ray, upset with Gerry and Steve’s recklessness, fires them from the work. Gerry tells Ray she cannot commit to a stable life with him and is hesitant to settle down, expressing her desire for freedom. This confrontation marks a turning point in their relationship.

Steve, feeling jealous and increasingly distant from Ray and Gerry, decides to leave their shared flat and plans to travel to India. He and Gerry share a brief sexual encounter but back out of further intimacy, recognizing the complexities of their feelings and actions.

Gerry, upset after being rejected and feeling uncertain about her future, undertakes a solo rock climb. She falls, sustaining serious injuries and is hospitalized. This event highlights her inner turmoil and the consequences of her impulsive lifestyle.

While Gerry is hospitalized, Ray’s crew is working on the pylons when they are accidentally electrified due to a mistake, almost causing electrocution. The incident signifies the dangers they face and the culmination of their risky work environment.

The summer project wraps up, and Derek from the electricity company arrives to inform the workers that they will not immediately receive their pay due to administrative issues. This leaves the workers uncertain about their financial situation and future prospects.

Gerry, having recovered from her injuries and feeling unsure about her life in the UK, decides to return to Australia. Steve plans to travel to India, seeking new adventures. Their departures symbolize endings and the conclusion of the summer's tumultuous events.

Left alone after the departures of Gerry and Steve, Ray reflects on his options for the future while standing on the Yorkshire Moors. The film ends with him pondering his uncertain path, emphasizing the ambiguous and open-ended nature of his life after the summer.