When Anne Bonny accompanies small time pirate John Rackham to sea in 1720, she discovers an independence and equality unlike any she has ever known. As Anne struggles to navigate the harsh living conditions and treacherous shipboard politics, she forges a close friendship with Mark Read, another young sailor aboard ship. But as Anne's friendship with Read deepens, her relationship with Rackham crumbles, even as the British Navy closes in . . .

SYNOPSIS:

Based on true events, this intimate, character-driven historical drama focuses on the origins of the friendship between notorious female pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read. Determined to escape the miserable and oppressive existence of a woman living in the British colonies, twenty-two year old ANNE BONNY embraces the decision to accompany her lover and small-time pirate JOHN RACKHAM to sea. Donning the clothing of a young male sailor, she plays a key role in the theft of a sloop from New Providence Harbor. Despite the backbreaking labor and horrific living conditions of life aboard ship, Anne discovers a freedom and equality at sea unlike anything she has ever experienced. Her new life changes abruptly, however, when Rackham incorporates into his crew an educated English sailor named MARK READ. At first, the stubborn and prideful Anne chooses to rudely ignore Read's advice and attention, but after the skilled young man helps her achieve the respect of the sloop's first mate, the two become friends. Over time, Anne develops strong feelings for Read but when she attempts to reveal herself to him privately, she is shocked and embarrassed to discover that Read, too, is a woman disguised as a man. Jealous of the new friendship between Anne and Read but unable to confront Anne properly about it, Rackham slowly devolves into drunken recklessness. The more he tries to reign Anne in, however, the more fiercely independent she becomes, even as captain and crew continue to narrowly evade the British Navy. Anne's close and often volatile friendship with Read continues to evolve but to Anne's great surprise, it is Read - the only other woman aboard ship - who most strongly challenges Anne's own understanding of strength and independence. With the skilled and experienced Read as her mentor, Anne learns to expertly navigate the harsh living conditions, ruthless shipmates and treacherous politics aboard Rackham's sloop. When the women are captured, tried and found guilty of piracy, however, Anne finds that it is herself - and not the more worldly and experienced Read - who possesses the strength necessary to save them both . . . AFFINITY was inspired by smaller, more subtle films, such as HILARY & JACKIE and REMAINS OF THE DAY. In terms of historical accuracy, I envision the film as being closer to MASTER AND COMMANDER than, say, a PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN or CUTTHROAT ISLAND.