Ten years have disappeared since William (Chris Leavins) last visited his hometown. Now trim, attractive and as headstrong as he was once sullen, he is ready to face his dysfunctional family. But when the visit conjures up a haunting reality long since buried, William must accept that his appearance has been the least of the changes in his and his family's lives since the day he left.

A young man named Sweet William returns, as a successful and fit gay man, to the coastal town where he grew up--ten years after he ran away as an unhappy, obese, teenager. His reason for returning is his sister's wedding. The combination of family members and the conflicts that come along with them spark memories of the reasons why he left, as well as visions of alternate realities, including one in which he hung his fifteen year-old self from a tree in the backyard of the family home. This unusual and cryptic Canadian production, though overlooked in the U.S., was named as 1997's film of the year by the 'Globe and Mail', Canada's National newspaper, above THE SWEET HEREAFTER. Incidentally, like that film, this one also features acclaimed young actress, Sarah Polley.