The story revolves around John (played by Hugh Jackman), a British colonial officer who arrives in Malaysia to serve as a district officer. While there, he meets Selva (played by Sandra Bullock), a beautiful and enigmatic local woman who becomes his friend and confidante. As their relationship deepens, John begins to learn about Selva's troubled past and the circumstances that have led her to become a "sleeping dictionary," a woman who provides comfort and companionship to men in exchange for money.