In 1930s Australia, Anglican clergyman Anthony Campion (Hugh Grant) and his prim wife, Estella (Tara Fitzgerald), are asked to visit noted painter Norman Lindsay (Sam Neill), whose planned contribution to an international art exhibit is considered blasphemous. While Campion and Lindsay debate, Estella finds herself drawn to the three beautiful models sitting for the painter's current work, freethinking Sheela (Elle Macpherson), sensual Pru (Kate Fischer) and virginal Giddy (Portia De Rossi).