Jilly (Judy Morris) and Brian (Robert Coleby) are young academics, living in a high-rise university flat in Adelaide. They have recently returned from the highlands of Papua New Guinea, where Jilly did research for a book. Brian is hoping for a posting to the World Health Organisation in Geneva.

Jill becomes uneasy when the university plumber, Max (Ivor Kants) arrives to ‘check the pipes’. He’s too forward and slightly aggressive; he says he was in prison, then denies it. Jill’s discomfort increases as he destroys their bathroom, but neither her husband, nor her friend Meg (Candy Raymond) will take her seriously. In desperation, Jill hatches a ruthless plan.