Loyalties

The film opens with a violent struggle that is witnessed by a young boy, hinting at the fraught dynamics beneath the surface. The scene cuts away before the full intensity is shown, creating a sense of looming trouble. This moment sets a grim mood that threads through the story as the family departs for Canada.

The small plane lands in Lac La Biche, Alberta, bringing Lily and her children to join David. Lily explains to the pilot that they are moving from England to be with her husband who has settled there. The arrival marks a new chapter and the start of the complex dynamics among the three families.

David appears happy to see Lily and the children, signaling relief at their reunion. He welcomes them warmly and begins to integrate them into his routine in town. The moment suggests a seemingly prosperous family life, masking underlying tensions.

A young waitress, Rosanne, is assaulted by her boyfriend Eddy at the bar, establishing a thread of violence beyond the Suttons. Doctor Sutton tends to Rosanne's injuries and consoles her, strengthening his connection to the local community. Rosanne reveals she lost her job because of the fight, intensifying her precarious position.

David encounters Rosanne and her family sleeping outside after missing a ride and offers them a lift home. He then invites Rosanne to help Lily with their home and children, giving her a chance at steadier work. The arrangement deepens cross-family ties and foreshadows closer proximity between the two households.

The families attend an outdoor barbecue so Lily can meet new people, and David seems more at ease than Lily at first. When questions surface about David's past, he insists they leave, revealing a protective, wary side. Lily gradually warms to the social circle, while David remains uneasy about town gossip.

David warns Lily not to befriend the couple who have relatives in Britain, signaling how heritage and past loyalties complicate their social circle. Lily's curiosity about the locals challenges David's guarded stance. The warning foreshadows ongoing strains in their relationship.

Rosanne's young son Jessie asks about Eddy and notes that he has apologized, highlighting how the family navigates past hurt. Rosanne's response mixes concern with a reluctant patience, showing how she balances loyalty and love. The exchange underscores the growing but fragile ties between Rosanne's family and Lily's household.

Laundry becomes a point of friction as the two households share chores, heightening Lily and David's tension. A violent thunderstorm drives David to drink outside, intensifying marital strain. Rosanne apologizes to Lily for the intrusion while reaffirming her support.

Lily and Rosanne discuss their relationships with their mothers, revealing insecurities and the weight of family histories. Lily opens up about her marriage problems, breaking her usual reticence. The moment deepens their bond as two women seek solidarity amid pressure.

Rosanne and Lily cultivate their evolving friendship as the Suttons and Ladouceurs spend time at the beach, while Lily's mother recounts historical injustices faced by Indigenous families. Robert expresses unhappiness about school, complicating Lily's attempts at connection. The day ends with a formal dinner that highlights David's discomfort with social expectations.

Robert tells Lily he is unhappy at school and resents her for sending Eddy away, creating an emotional rift. Eddy returns, and Rosanne and Lily clash over money and status, testing their fragile alliance. David's gaze lingers on Eddy and Rosanne as tensions threaten to boil over.

The two families attend a Pow Wow together to socialize, with Rosanne planning a birthday outing for Lily. She invites Lily to the bar and enlists Leona, her eldest daughter, to babysit so they can celebrate. Everyone sings Happy Birthday, underscoring the tenuous sense of community.

David returns early from a fishing trip and assaults Leona, threatening her if she lies about what happened. Lily and Rosanne intervene, and Lily ultimately chooses to leave David, with Rosanne offering shelter for her and the children. The police inform Rosanne that Lily has pressed charges against David, setting the stage for Lily to start anew away from her husband.