In pre-WWII Britain, James Stevens is a rigidly duty-bound head butler at Lord Darlington’s mansion. Hired as a housekeeper, efficient Miss Kenton tries to challenge his façade, but their developing feelings get buried under wall of Stevens’ strict decorum. As the self-sacrificing butler realizes his master’s pro-Nazi inclinations his unequivocal loyalty is shaken, which he admits to Kenton when they re-unite years later.