When Orestes returns to his Greek island homeland after several years in London to settle his late father's estate, he begins an affair with Elena, who is married to his childhood friend Yanni. Their adultery soon leads to violence and tragedy.

After returning home to a rugged island near Nova Scotia, Joanna, daughter of the local bigwig, struggles to choose between three eligible bachelors -- the rebel, the steadfast friend and the poetry-quoting newcomer. As the local lobster supply dwindles due to overfishing, the island's inhabitants encounter economic difficulties.