London, 1899; Clive Owen plays idealistic Paul Reisner, a doctor in a prestigious lab where Professor Mandry sterilises the poor without their consent. There he falls in love with the spirited and vivacious Clara, beautifully played by Miranda Richardson, who demands control over her own life and no marriage-knot in her relationship. A costume drama anticipating the crimes committed in the name of eugenics and the emancipation of women.