In 1800s England, acclaimed but unrecognised fossil hunter Mary Anning (Kate Winslet) works alone on the rugged Southern coastline. She searches for common fossils to sell to tourists to support herself and her ailing widowed mother (Gemma Jones). When a wealthy visitor entrusts Mary with the care of his young wife Charlotte (Saoirse Ronan), she cannot afford to turn his offer down. Mary initially clashes with Charlotte, but despite the distance between their social class and personalities, an intense bond begins to develop, compelling the two women to determine the true nature of their relationship. Nominated for a BAFTA.