Helen Matthews (Patricia Clarkson), is a widow still grieving the untimely death of her husband, James (Callum Keith Rennie).

Against the wishes of her son, Helen insists on going to the boat access island cottage she and her husband used as a vacation home.

Early the next morning, Helen leaves the cabin's dock, travelling up Georgian Bay to get groceries.

Helen calls marine staff on her radio, and they agree to repair her boat's engine in a few days, dropping her back at her dock.

Helen, a doctor, performs surgery on the stranger's shoulder, removing a pistol round, then tends to his wound, saving his life.

Will warns her not to let the man in the house as he will kill both of them but Helen, ignoring him, asks Al to tow both her and Will to shore.

Meanwhile, Al returns with Tom and after searching the house unsuccessfully, they hunt for Helen and Will in the woods where the two have split up and are trying to hide.

Will and Tom speak softly of their regrets and share an intimate father and son hug on the porch.

The film ends with Helen contemplating either a return to Toronto and to her normal life or accepting Will’s offer.

Filming took place in the spring after one of the coldest recorded winters and according to Nadda the ice did not melt until two days before they began shooting on the water.