In early 20th-century England, the Mooneys are an eccentric clan live in a large rural home. Invalid patriarch Pa is a retired medical doctor claiming to be 199 years old. Phoebe, the eldest daughter, runs the household. Eldest son Mortimer is a businessman who conducts the finances and contributes to the income. Younger daughter Monica is a sadist who keeps live rats as pets, frequently mutilating them and other small animals. Youngest son Malcolm is a half-wit with animalistic tendencies to the point where he's kept locked in a room with live chickens. But the whole family have a dark, furry secret.

A young, compassionate man struggles to save his family and friends from the abusive exploitation of his cold-hearted, grasping uncle.

Nick, is a young Scottish soccer player living in the big city. He meets Karen, and the two fall in love and move in together. Soon after, Nick exhibits signs of serious illness. As his body slowly succumbs to multiple sclerosis, he experiences a wide sweep of jagged emotions, and in the process gives himself and those who love him the strength to carry on.