Director Mike Leigh takes a bittersweet look at English society and marriage, centering on a trio of discontented postmen and their dreary ways of slogging through life. At the crux of the story is Stan (Eric Richard): After his wife walks out on him, he seeks solace in the arms of June (Su Elliot) and Hazel (Kay Stonham) -- the spouses of his two co-workers (portrayed by Timothy Spall and Tim Barker).