Margaret, a retired woman living in the English countryside, enjoys a peaceful life tending to her cottage and beloved garden. Yet, her tranquility is disrupted by the troubles facing her sons family in the city. Her grandson, Thomas, is a polite and even-tempered young man. Hes always done well in school, but chooses not to head to university, opting instead for work at a local factory. After marrying and becoming a father, Thomass life takes a dark turn as he falls into alcohol dependency.
Frequently seen keeping questionable company, Thomas begins to spiral, picking up destructive habits that lead to endless arguments and growing tension within his family. His marriage stands on the brink of collapse. Hoping to help her grandson and to hold the family together, Margaret invites him to move in with her. She hopes a change of scene will set him straight, and that his company will also ease her loneliness in old age, as well as give her a hand around the house.
At first, Thomass stay brings about a real improvement. He shows clear signs of getting back on the right path, and his wife finds some comfort as well. They all adapt to the new arrangement, pitching in to help Granny Margaret in the garden. However, after a month, Thomas falls back into his old habits. Soon after, his wife leaves him, taking their son with her. This doesnt faze Thomas; instead, he finds a new partner with the same reckless interests, and the two begin living together in Margarets home, with little regard for her feelings.
Financial troubles soon followcreditors begin to demand repayment of debts. Thomas even borrows money from Margarets friends, causing her much anguish. Despite all the hardship, he manages to convince his grandmother to hand over her house to him, leaving her in a very vulnerable position. Fearing eviction, Margaret watches as Thomas and his new partner continue living off her, showing no intention of helping out.
One day, overwhelmed by her misfortune, Margaret exclaims, Hell wont frighten me in the next worldIve already seen it in this one. Thomas and his partner hatch a plan to start their own business, taking out a loan from the bank. But if their idea fails, they all risk losing everything and ending up out on the streets, forced to face the harsh consequences of their reckless choices.
