Man often overlooks the profound influence of luck in life. Many elements are beyond one's grasp, solely swayed by the unpredictable forces of chance that can either favor or thwart one's ambitions.
In this story, we meet Chris Wilton (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), a former tennis professional who has just retired and taken a position as an instructor at a prestigious club in London. He moves into a modest apartment, furnished only with a sofa bed, paying £225 a week. As Chris adapts to his new lifestyle, he fills his days with reading and teaching club members the fundamentals of tennis, embracing the simplicity of his routine. Coming from a less privileged Irish background, he aims to provide financial support for his family back home.
A pivotal moment occurs when Chris forms a bond with a wealthy student, Tom Hewett (Matthew Goode), after discovering their mutual love for opera. Their friendship flourishes as they attend opera performances together. Soon, Tom's sister, Chloe (Emily Mortimer), finds herself captivated by Chris and begins to join them during tennis lessons. As they spend more time together, a romantic relationship develops, leading to moments of intimacy in Chris's small apartment.
When Chloe invites Chris to a family gathering at their country home, he meets Tom's fiancée, Nola Rice (Scarlett Johansson), and an undeniable chemistry ignites between them. Nola, an aspiring actress, has been in a relationship with Tom for six months, and their meeting sparks complications for all involved. Tom's affluent parents, particularly his mother, Eleanor, disapprove of Nola due to her tumultuous background, which adds further strain to their family dynamic. Despite the awareness of the class divide between Chris and Chloe, their relationship deepens. Conversations about marriage begin to surface, as Chris becomes increasingly integrated into Chloe's family.
As life unfolds, Chris maintains a connection with Nola while still dating Chloe, creating a web of deceit. He feels obligated to keep up appearances while secretly nurturing feelings for Nola, leading to an affair that spirals out of control. The pressure intensifies when Nola reveals she is pregnant, leaving Chris in a state of panic as he grapples with his obligations to both women.
In an act of desperation, Chris commits a heinous crime, resulting in devastating consequences. After a shocking series of events that includes murder and deception, Chris finds himself haunted by guilt and the specters of his actions. As he struggles to conceal the truth, even as his life with Chloe seemingly progresses towards starting a family, he learns that facing the repercussions of his choices is inevitable.
Ultimately, the story culminates in new beginnings shrouded by the shadows of his past actions. As Chloe gives birth to their son, Terrence, Chris reflects on the nature of luck and fate, leaving viewers to ponder the moral complexities of his journey. The film ends on an ambiguous note, emphasizing that while Chris may question his luck, the real cost of his choices remains hanging in the balance.
