Another Year

Tom Hepple and Gerri Hepple share a comfortable and loving relationship as an older married couple. The film begins with them enjoying their daily lives, highlighting their bond as they navigate the ups and downs of life together.

Gerri, a counselor, meets her patient Janet, who is struggling with menopause and general dissatisfaction in her life. Despite Gerri's attempts to engage, Janet remains withdrawn and admits to feeling deeply unhappy.

Tom spends his days visiting construction sites across London to collect soil samples for a geological map. His work reflects his passion for geology and contributes to his understanding of the city's landscape.

Gerri's friend Mary, a middle-aged divorcee, struggles with her feelings of loneliness despite claiming to be happy. While saving for a car, she grapples with her desperate desire for a meaningful relationship.

Tom and Gerri cook dinner together, fostering a sense of intimacy as they share stories about their day. These moments are filled with joy and laughter, reflecting their loving relationship and the support they provide each other.

During one dinner, Mary drinks too much, revealing her past relationship with a married man. This poignant moment captures her vulnerability and longing for connection, leaving Tom and Gerri feeling both amused and concerned.

As summer arrives, Tom and Gerri work in their vegetable garden, spreading compost in anticipation of the crops. They discuss their son Joe's future, hoping for clarity on his life choices and plans.

Tom's old friend Ken visits, prompting a barbecue at Tom and Gerri's home. However, Ken's unhappiness is palpable, and the gathering serves as a platform for him to express his struggles with life and indulgent habits.

Mary arrives late to the barbecue after getting lost, and her flirtation with Joe, Tom and Gerri's son, becomes awkward as he does not reciprocate her advances. This encounter highlights her vulnerability and desperation.

As autumn sets in, Mary visits Tom and Gerri's home again, expressing hostility towards Joe's new girlfriend, Katie. This tension creates a rift between Mary and Gerri, complicating their friendships.

In winter, Tom, Gerri, and Joe attend the funeral of Tom's brother Ronnie's wife. The emotional service is marred by the arrival of Ronnie's estranged son Carl, who creates a scene, exhibiting his unresolved grievances.

Following the funeral, Tom and Gerri invite Ronnie to stay with them, hoping to support him during his grief. This moment reflects their compassion and desire to help family during times of need.

Mary shows up at Tom and Gerri's home uninvited after wrecking her car. Upset and seeking comfort, she engages in a mundane conversation with Gerri before dozing off in their living room, showcasing her emotional fragility.

Gerri confronts Mary about her previous rudeness towards Katie, leading to a heartfelt exchange where Mary apologizes. This moment marks a turning point in their relationship, introducing a layer of understanding between them.

The film concludes with a dinner gathering of Tom, Gerri, Joe, Katie, and Mary. As they share the meal, the contrast between the warmth of the family's relationships and Mary's uncertainty becomes evident, encapsulating the themes of connection and loneliness.