Damage

Dr. Stephen Fleming, a British cabinet minister, enjoys a stable life with his wife Ingrid and their daughter Sally. Their home environment seems picture-perfect, yet underlying tensions exist, hinted at with Stephen's growing attraction towards another woman.

At a social event, Stephen meets Anna Barton, a young woman introduced as a close friend of his son Martyn. The instant chemistry and attraction between Stephen and Anna is palpable, setting the stage for emotional turmoil ahead.

When Martyn visits his parents, he brings Anna along, revealing that they are in a romantic relationship. This revelation heightens the already evident tension, as Stephen grapples with his feelings for Anna despite his son's involvement.

Anna arranges a clandestine meeting with Stephen at her apartment, leading to their first intimate encounter. This marks the beginning of a passionate yet unhealthy affair, which complicates Stephen's family dynamics further.

After an international summit in Brussels, Stephen prioritizes a rendezvous with Anna in Paris over returning home. Their encounter is scandalous, happening in an open doorway in broad daylight, intensifying Stephen's obsession with Anna.

With growing jealousy, Stephen observes Martyn and Anna from his hotel room, escalating his infatuation and uncertainty about their relationship. This obsessive behavior reveals the extent of Stephen’s emotional turmoil and desperation.

While visiting Anna, Stephen unexpectedly meets Peter, who informs him of his past relationship with her. This encounter stirs jealousy in Stephen, prompting him to confront Anna about her fidelity, leading to a further deepening of their bond.

The Flemings gather at their country estate to celebrate Ingrid's birthday, during which Martyn announces his engagement to Anna. Stephen's discomfort becomes apparent, as this news signifies the encroaching threat to his own desires.

After receiving illicit intimacy from Anna, Stephen is caught by his daughter Sally outside her room. This momentary lapse exposes the secrets of the affair, forcing Stephen to lie to Sally to protect their fragmented family.

During a lunch with Anna's mother, the latter perceives the underlying tension and cautions Stephen to end his affair. Her insights serve as a stark reminder that the ramifications of their relationship could tear their lives apart.

Stephen attempts to sever ties with Anna, struggling with feelings of guilt and obligation. However, he finds himself compelled to reach out again, highlighting the conflicting nature of his desires versus responsibilities.

Anna sends Stephen keys to a secret flat where they can be together away from prying eyes. This invitation signifies Anna's unwillingness to sever their connection, further entrenching him in emotional conflict and obsession.

Martyn serendipitously stumbles upon Stephen and Anna in bed together at the flat. The shocking discovery leads to a tragic accident, where Martyn falls to his death, marking a climactic turning point in the narrative.

In the aftermath of Martyn's death, Stephen’s affair becomes a public scandal, leading to intense media scrutiny and backlash. The crisis strains his marriage with Ingrid, resulting in deep emotional rifts and questions about love and loyalty.

Publicly disgraced, Stephen resigns from his cabinet position and retreats from society. In solitude, he reflects on his choices, while Anna moves on with her life, leaving Stephen to confront the weight of his actions, symbolized by a haunting photo in his home.