Jack Slavin, portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis, is a Scottish farmer grappling with a heart condition while living in solitude with his teenage daughter, Rose, played by Camilla Belle, on a remote island that was once home to a vibrant hippie commune. He faces the relentless challenge of preventing land developers from encroaching on the beautiful wetlands surrounding their home. Rose is a stunning yet reclusive young woman with a deep love for gardening, having spent her life isolated from the outside world due to her father's decision to homeschool her following her mother’s departure.
Despite Rose's contentment with their current lifestyle, Jack believes that both of them "need a woman around." In an effort to enhance their lives, he journeys to the mainland to persuade his girlfriend, Kathleen, played by Catherine Keener, to move in with them, bringing along her two sons. When Kathleen agrees to his proposal and arrives at the island, Jack reveals the new living arrangements to a shocked Rose, who remains composed yet visibly displeased, as he had concealed his relationship from her.
Adapting to rural life proves to be a challenge for Kathleen, whose sons differ vastly from each other; Thaddius, a rebellious delinquent, and Rodney, an insecure youth seeking validation. While Rose finds it difficult to connect with Kathleen, she unexpectedly bonds with Rodney, recognizing his gentle and intelligent nature despite the constant bickering over his weight. However, her quest to lose her virginity shifts her attention toward Thaddius.
Tension mounts when Rose witnesses an intimate moment between Thaddius and his friend in the woods, leading to a reckless encounter where Thaddius enters her space, despite her initial aversion. Following this, she provocatively hangs her stained bedsheet on the clothesline to provoke her father, which infuriates Jack and prompts him to confront Thaddius, giving him an ultimatum to leave the island.
As chaos unfolds when a copperhead snake escapes at their home, Kathleen finds herself frightened, contributing to the rising dysfunction within the household. While they endure the escalating tensions, Rose transitions from her rebellious actions to a deeper connection with her father. However, in a moment of desperation following Jack's deteriorating health and their emotional turmoil, they share a kiss that overwhelms them both with guilt and confusion.
Ultimately, Jack’s health declines rapidly as he faces the reality of the land developers winning the fight for the wetlands. He succumbs shortly after, leaving Rose alone to make a life-altering decision. Initially contemplating suicide, she chooses life and leaves the island behind. Two years later, we find her thriving in a communal lifestyle, dedicating her time to work in a greenhouse, fully embracing the possibility of new beginnings.
