The film unfolds in a Britain sharply divided by social standing, where the main character—a man hoping to be a stone mason (played by Christopher Eccleston)—is married to Arabella (Rachel Griffiths) but longs for a chance to go to university and leave behind his demanding work. A possible path opens when she departs, leading him to visit relatives, including Sue (Kate Winslet). She's portrayed as someone rebellious, and despite their initial interactions, they develop a connection. However, he isn’t completely truthful with her, and the fallout from discovering that he remains legally married creates significant problems for them both. Their difficulties are compounded by societal disapproval of unmarried couples, making any attempts at happiness precarious as they grapple with housing and caring for three young children. These everyday challenges become insignificant, though, when a terrible event occurs, shattering their relationship and leaving its future uncertain regardless of the strength of their feelings. Is there anything that can be rescued from this difficult situation? I’ve never been particularly impressed by Eccleston's acting, and his performance here doesn’t change my mind. Winslet fares better, successfully capturing a sense of youthful defiance alongside a grounded resilience, which highlights many of the challenges faced by mothers who desired more than just domestic duties during that era. June Whitfield provides some pleasant moments as a wise aunt, and Liam Cunningham adds to the story's realism, but I felt it occasionally wandered without clear direction. The film is visually appealing, with careful attention given to historical accuracy in costumes and settings, yet I found the underlying Thomas Hardy narrative somewhat forced in its attempts to highlight narrow-mindedness and societal attitudes.

Source on TMDB