One time gangster Will Graham (Clive Owen) has escaped his life of crime to enjoy self-imposed exile in rural Ireland. He is cut off from the outside world and any possible temptation to return to his old ways.

The past comes back to haunt Will when he returns to London to see his younger brother Davey (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and learns, to his horror, that the lad has committed suicide.

It transpires that Davey was raped by thuggish Boad (Malcolm McDowell) and took his own life to escape the shame and humiliation. Determined to avenge Davey's death, Will joins forces with his hard man pal Mickser (Jamie Foreman) to bring Boad to justice, seeking guidance from old acquaintances including beautiful restaurateur Helen (Charlotte Rampling).