In 1950s London, Irene, an innocent sixteen-year-old, desperate to escape the strict confines of her parents, is smitten by Joe, a flashy, charismatic, cockney charmer. He's twelve years her senior with a flourishing career in the entertainment business. When he proposes it's like a dream come true. She believes he'll take care of her, give her beautiful things. But Joe has a dark side, and that dream quickly turns into a nightmare. Can Irene find the inner strength to protect herself and her two children from the deeply troubled Joe?