In a Victorian England, a young man named Jude Fawley, a brilliant yet disillusioned university apprentice, dreams of a better life and of becoming an academic. However, the social and economic circumstances of his surroundings keep him trapped in a world of frustration. After enduring a series of disappointments, Jude decides to leave his hometown and move to the city in search of his destiny. Along the way, he reconnects with his cousin, Sue Bridehead, an independent and revolutionary woman who also defies societal norms.
The relationship between Jude and Sue begins as a platonic friendship but quickly transforms into an intensely passionate and complicated love. Both attempt to challenge the conventions of their time, seeking happiness through their mutual connection. But Victorian society is not kind to those who disobey its dictates, and soon they face criticism, prejudice, and devastating consequences.
As their lives intertwine and become more complicated, Jude and Sue struggle to find their place in a world that seems to be against them. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the fight against the restrictions imposed by society. With a bleak backdrop and a melancholic tone, the story of these two characters is a poignant reflection on the pursuit of happiness in a world that often denies it.