该片按照伊恩·麦克尤恩的同名小说改编，故事报告原本侥幸生在世的儿童文学作家斯蒂芬·刘易斯，因女儿的走掉，本人消极度日，变得和妃耦渐行渐远。直到第二个孩子的降临才逐步化解了夫妻隔膜。

Agatha's in need of a well-earned break and with Christmas just around the corner it looks like the perfect opportunity to relax. When she receives a letter from an old lady begging for protection, she can't help but spring into action.