该片根据伊恩·麦克尤恩的同名小说改编，故事讲述原本幸福生活着的儿童文学作家斯蒂芬·刘易斯，因女儿的走失，自己消极度日，变得和妻子渐行渐远。直到第二个孩子的降临才逐渐化解了夫妻隔阂。

　　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.