Fred and Rose Nemser are a newlywed couple relocating to Bennington College, where Fred has secured a position as a lecturer. He is set to work under the supervision of Stanley Hyman, while Rose, still a student, quickly becomes captivated by the literary genius of Stanley's wife, Shirley Jackson.
Upon their arrival, Stanley requests Rose to assist with various chores around the house, as Shirley is grappling with her writing and battling a recent episode of agoraphobia. To Rose's dismay, her responsibilities increasingly resemble those of a housekeeper, revealing the troubled and toxic dynamics of Stanley and Shirley's marriage. Initially, Shirley is harsh and dismissive toward Rose, creating an atmosphere fraught with tension.
As the Nemsers settle in, Shirley begins to refocus on her writing, announcing a new project based on the mysterious disappearance of Paula Jean Welden, a young woman from the college. Stanley's obsessive control over Shirley’s creative process becomes apparent; he views her as a genius but feels compelled to dominate her productivity. Despite their rocky start, Shirley slowly transforms her perception of Rose into that of a muse and enlists her help for research, including a morally ambiguous task of obtaining Paula’s medical records. As their bond strengthens, Rose becomes fiercely protective of Shirley, resulting in a complex flirtation that adds layers to their relationship.
Meanwhile, the interaction between Stanley and Fred begins to sour as Stanley actively works to undermine Fred's academic aspirations and stifle his career. Months pass, and as Rose welcomes a new child into their lives, Shirley remains enveloped in her writing, oblivious to the brewing storm around them. Feeling that the Nemsers have outlived their usefulness, Stanley orchestrates their eviction. In a desperate bid to keep them in the house, Rose writes Paula's name in a library book, suggesting that Paula may have been involved with Stanley. To Rose's shock, Shirley reveals her acute awareness of Stanley's infidelity, dismissing Paula as one of his lovers while disclosing that Fred himself has been unfaithful to Rose with his students all along.
This confrontation forces Rose out to the trail where Paula vanished, leading Shirley to find her almost ready to jump from a cliff. Rose eventually returns home, and she and Fred leave the Hyman-Jackson household, with Rose determined to reclaim her independence and reject the role of a submissive wife.
Finally alone, Shirley grants Stanley access to her work, and upon reading it, he proclaims it a masterpiece. The couple then celebrates this moment together in a dance, a fleeting glimpse of happiness amid the chaos of their lives.
