Bruno, dying, obsessed with spiders and preoccupied with death and reconciliation, lies at the centre of an intricate spider's web of relationships and passions. Against an atmospheric London backdrop, Bruno is dying. As the end draws near, remorse, reconciliation and redemption fill his thoughts. The flooding Thames brings about the climax. Miles, Bruno’s estranged and grieving son; Danby, his widowed son-in-law, consoling himself with Adelaide the maid; creepy nurse Nigel and his besotted twin Will, fighter of duels - all are left changed by love and forgiveness before the old man’s final passing.