It is 1928 and Donovan Slacks, a man with a fragile head, is sent to a sea bathing hospital. He lives fearing an accident, fearing change, fearing life, and yet wanting more. Staying on doctor's orders, Donovan has a picture-postcard view. Another place to feel trapped in until he discovers the illicit world of the local fishermen. When he falls in love with a fishergirl, Donovan re-discovers the terrible secret of his past and life goes into freefall. In the eye of the storm he takes a decision, determined to break free and win the woman he loves, he leads the local fishermen in an uprising against the government. But as things spiral out of control, can Donovan Slacks really become the leader everyone desperately needs?