Refractory Sybylla Melvyn (Judy Davis) bucks 19th century societal conventions in this charming Australian film helmed by Gillian Armstrong. On Sybylla's path toward realizing her dream of artistic greatness, she casts aside a starchy suitor, exasperates her mother and confounds her grandmother. But when Sybylla falls for affluent landowner Harry Beecham (Sam Neill), she must choose between traditional marriage and pursuing her career ambitions.