The story unfolds in Imperial Russia in the year 1874, focusing on the troubled life of Prince Stepan "Stiva" Oblonsky, portrayed by Matthew Macfadyen. The drama begins when his wife, Princess Daria "Dolly" (Kelly Macdonald), discovers him in a compromising situation with their children's governess. Heartbroken and furious, Dolly forces Stiva to leave their home, forbidding him from seeing her or their five children ever again.
In a bid to heal family rifts, Stiva’s sister, Anna Karenina (Keira Knightley), travels from St. Petersburg to Moscow at her brother's request. A prominent socialite with a seemingly perfect life with her husband, Alexi Karenin (Jude Law), Anna aims to persuade Dolly to forgive Stiva, despite warnings from Karenin to avoid meddling in others' affairs.
Upon her arrival, Anna encounters Konstantin Levin (Domhnall Gleeson), Stiva's old friend, who is struggling with his feelings for Katerina "Kitty" Alexandrovna Shcherbatsky (Alicia Vikander). Though Stiva encourages Levin to propose to Kitty, she declines, entangled with the charming and wealthy Count Alexi Vronsky (Aaron Taylor-Johnson).
As Anna settles into Moscow, she experiences a powerful connection with Vronsky at a ball, leading to an undeniable romantic tension. During this soiree, Anna opts to leave when she feels her presence outshines Kitty, who quickly captures the attention of Vronsky. Yet, fate compels Vronsky to pursue Anna, showcasing devotion even in the face of impending scandal.
The plot thickens as Anna and Vronsky’s affair blossoms, leading to turmoil in her life. Shunning societal norms, Anna confesses her feelings for Vronsky, which further complicates her marriage to Karenin. As they navigate forbidden love, Anna becomes pregnant and dreams of a life with Vronsky, but societal constraints loom ominously over their relationship.
United in their passion, Anna and Vronsky’s bond faces relentless scrutiny. Anna must grapple with her past and society's disdain, resulting in a tumultuous series of events that lead to her emotional collapse. Meanwhile, Levin continues to contemplate love against the backdrop of his pastoral life, reconciling his existence with Kitty and eventually finding joy in their union.
Ultimately, Anna’s continuing struggles with her identity and societal expectations culminate in a tragic series of choices. The narrative explores themes of love, fidelity, and the oppressive weight of societal expectation in a richly detailed depiction of 19th-century Russian life. As the cycles of romance and despair unfold, characters strive for their truths, but at a harrowing cost—leaving audiences to ponder the depths of sacrifice within love, loyalty, and societal restraints.
