In the weeks leading up to Christmas, several stories about romance and obstacles to happiness are told against the background of Bill Nighy (an old has-been) rock star. Daniel (Liam Neeson) has lost his wife, and he must now take care of Sam (Thomas Brodie–Sangster), who is an adolescent stepson. Daniel has no idea how to handle Sam’s problems and the potential romance that could develop between them. Peter (Chiwetel Eljiofor), and Juliet (Keira Knightley), just got married. Although they believe Peter’s friend, and best man Mark (Andrew Lincoln), hates Juliet but will not say it to him or her face, Others, who see the situation outsiders believe Mark is jealous and in love with Peter. Jamie (Colin Firth), who is a writer, has decided to go on a retreat in France alone after he snagged his new girlfriend Sienna Guillory in an accident. Jamie spends much of his time in France with Aurelia, a Portuguese housekeeper. It becomes a question of communication. Aurelia (Lucia Moniz), the Portuguese woman hired to clean their house, speaks little English and neither speak Portuguese very well. However, it seems they are able to communicate what appears to be their growing mutual attraction. Sarah Linney (Laura Linney), has been deeply in love for her colleague Karl Santoro (Rodrigo Santoro), over the past two years. This attraction is well-known by everyone at work. Sarah must decide whether she is brave enough to tell Karl about her love, particularly considering what was her priority: a family matter. Harry (Alan Rickman), and Karen (Dame Emma Thompson), have had a long-term stable marriage. He is tempted to fall for the suggestion from Mia Makatsch, his new assistant. Harry must decide whether or not to succumb to temptation after being married to an observant wife. The newly elected Prime Minister is single and young David (Hugh Grant). He is attracted by Natalie McCutcheon (Natalie McCutcheon), a new house servant. However, it is difficult for him to decide what to do considering their positions and the possibility of public scrutiny. Colin Frissell, a socially inept man (Kris Marshall), believes the absence of romance in his life can be attributed to the standoffish British women. He decides to make a bold, but unusually geographical move. John (Martin Freeman), and Judy (Joanna Page), are film body doubles. While they can talk to one another while simulating sex in a movie, they might not be capable of communicating their feelings to the other. –Huggo