Synopsis
Mary, an experienced Marionette maker, lives with her retired husband, Neil, in a remote cottage in the heart of Norfolk. Mary works from home in a workshop that overlooks a beautiful, wrap-around garden, one that Neil tends for and is his pride and joy.
Whilst working, Mary discovers a lump, close to her breast, she’s at first reluctant to share the news with Neil, doing so whilst providing him with a much needed haircut, moving his hand to her breast, whilst whispering ‘It’s back.’
One afternoon, on leaving her workshop, Mary finds Neil face down in the garden, having died from a heart attack.
Weeks after, preparing dinner, Mary finds a lock of Neil’s hair which she uses to fashion a Marionette in Neil’s form. With her creation now complete Mary moves and dances with the Marionette to a familiar piece of music. With each moment, the strings become lost in the realism, as the shadows of the Marionette and Mary dance like spirits, long and life-like across the workshop floor.