Ingrid (Julianne Moore), a bestselling author, wrote a book about death to cope with her fear of death. When she learns that Martha (Tilda Swinton), a former war correspondent, is sick, she visits her, rekindling their friendship from years ago when they were journalists. Martha is now fighting a different war, and the renewed closeness between the women draws Ingrid into Martha's healing process. As stories are told, secrets are revealed, and themes of regret, redemption, and mortality are pondered over a cup of tea, Martha asks Ingrid for the thing she fears most giving.