In the vibrant atmosphere of 1960s London, sisters Hilary and Jackie du Pré embark on their distinct musical journeys, heavily influenced by their mother’s lessons in music—Hilary pursues the flute, while Jackie finds her calling with the cello. Despite her early resistance to practice, Jackie blossoms into a virtuoso, quickly gaining international acclaim during her European tours.
As Jackie captivates audiences abroad, Hilary remains in London grappling with her studies at the Royal Academy of Music alongside her supportive family, including her brother Piers. During this time, she meets the charming Christopher "Kiffer" Finzi, son of renowned composer Gerald Finzi, and they embark on a romantic relationship that brings warmth into her life. Hilary's local fame grows as she joins a community orchestra, shaping her path towards musical recognition.
Upon returning from Moscow, Jackie urges Hilary to share a flat with her, but instead, Hilary ties the knot with Kiffer, relocating to a serene farmhouse to start a family. Meanwhile, Jackie enters a relationship with Daniel Barenboim, a gifted pianist and conductor, with whom she shares a profound bond rooted in their love for music. Their eventual marriage, coupled with Jackie's conversion to Judaism, creates a buzz in the public eye.
A twist in their sisterly bond occurs when Jackie unexpectedly visits Hilary and Kiffer, abandoning her Los Angeles commitments. In a candid moment, she confesses her desire for Kiffer and tries to seduce him. The next day, Hilary discovers Jackie lost in nature, experiencing an emotional crisis. Although Daniel attempts to comfort Jackie, she rebuffs him. Ultimately, Hilary allows Jackie to indulge in a fleeting encounter with Kiffer, hoping it will alleviate her sister’s turmoil. However, this decision leads to emotional complications, causing a rift between them. Jackie soon resumes her European tours, but an underlying longing for a more harmonious life persists.
From Jackie’s perspective, Hilary has prioritized her life with Kiffer over their special sibling bond. While Jackie finds comfort in her marriage to Daniel, she gradually becomes aware of her declining health—a quiet manifestation of anxiety.
During a pivotal performance, Jackie collapses, requiring Daniel's support to leave the stage. Subsequently, she faces the heartbreaking diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Despite the grim prognosis, Hilary visits her in the hospital, where Jackie maintains an optimistic outlook, although her condition deteriorates rapidly, affecting her musical capabilities. As the effects of the disease take their toll, Jackie struggles to make sense of her life while witnessing Daniel’s infidelity.
Eventually, Jackie's health declines to the extent of paralysis, and she loses her ability to communicate. In a poignant moment, Hilary visits her sister, recounting their joyful childhood memories spent on the beach. Tragically, shortly after this heartfelt reminiscence, Hilary learns of Jackie's passing from the radio. The film concludes with a touching scene of Jackie's spirit on the beach of her youth, observing herself and Hilary playing freely as children, encapsulating their bond through the passage of time.
