Out of Africa

In 1913, Karen Blixen arrives in British East Africa as a wealthy Dane and is on the verge of marrying a prominent Swedish noble. This marks the beginning of her journey in a foreign land, full of hopeful expectations and dreams.

After her fiancé abruptly abandons her, Karen proposes to his brother, Baron Bror Blixen. They enter a marriage of convenience intended to focus on establishing a dairy ranch together in Nairobi, with Karen providing the financial backing.

While on her journey to Nairobi, Karen's train is interrupted by the big-game hunter Denys Finch Hatton, who shares his connection to Bror and hands her a significant ivory haul. This meeting foreshadows the complex relationships that will unfold in her new life.

Upon reaching Nairobi, Karen is greeted by the Somali headman Farah and begins to navigate her new surroundings. She encounters challenges at the elite Muthaiga Club, struggling to find her place in a men-dominated society.

Karen soon discovers that Bror has diverted their plans from dairy farming to less rewarding coffee crops. Feeling neglected and frustrated, she takes charge of their farm, managing it alone while dealing with her husband's disregard.

As she immerses herself in the local culture, Karen helps Kikuyu squatters by establishing schools and tending to their needs. She strives to balance her European roots with the realities of colonial life in Africa.

Karen forms a deep friendship with Felicity, inspired by Beryl Markham. Their bond grows as they navigate the complexities of their lives, but Karen's marriage continues to falter due to Bror's infidelities.

With the onset of World War I, Karen joins her fellow colonists in forming a militia. She takes on the responsibility of gathering supplies for the soldiers, displaying her resilience and commitment to the community.

After contracting syphilis from Bror, Karen is forced to return to Denmark for treatment. This health crisis strains her already troubled marriage as Bror continues to pursue his interests in Africa.

During a New Year’s celebration, Karen shares a moment with Denys that marks her emotional shift away from Bror. Their relationship evolves as Denys brings adventure into Karen's life but complicates her feelings further.

Denys introduces Karen to the thrill of flight in his Gipsy Moth biplane, creating exhilarating moments in her life. As Bror’s plans to remarry emerge, Karen's desire for commitment is put to the test.

Tensions rise when Denys contemplates a private safari with Felicity, leading to a painful confrontation with Karen. Denys ultimately decides to leave, unable to reconcile his free spirit with Karen's longing for stability.

After their split, Karen's farm falls into disrepair and is devastated by fire. As she prepares to return to Denmark, she holds a rummage sale to say goodbye to her belongings and the land she loved.

Denys's scouting trip in his biplane ends in tragedy when he crashes in Tsavo. Karen receives the heart-wrenching news from Bror, and she is left to mourn the loss of the man who brought adventure into her life.

As she plans to leave Africa, Karen is honored by her peers at the Muthaiga Club amidst her grief for Denys. Entrusting Farah with Denys' compass and hoping to always remember him, Karen departs, forever changed by her experiences.