In the heart of the chaotic French and Indian War, Major Duncan Heyward (Daniel Day-Lewis) arrives in Albany, New York, during the vibrant autumn of 1757. He is on a mission from Colonel Edmund Munro, the commander of Fort William Henry, which is tucked away in the picturesque Adirondack Mountains. Heyward's duty involves escorting Munro's daughters, Cora and Alice, to the safety of their father's fortress. Just before embarking, he attempts to express his romantic interest in Cora, but she delicately requests more time to make her choice.
Their journey soon takes a dire turn as they are guided by the cryptic Magua, a figure masquerading as a Mohawk warrior. This Huron renegade harbors ulterior motives, leading the unsuspecting travelers into a lethal ambush that wipes out most of the British forces. In the midst of this turmoil, three courageous Mohicans—Chingachgook, Uncas, and the stoic "Hawkeye" (Daniel Day-Lewis)—arise to confront the Hurons, leaving Magua as the lone survivor. Vowing to protect Cora, Alice, and Heyward, the trio sets off toward Fort William Henry, determined to ensure their safety.
As they traverse the perilous terrain, the group stumbles upon the gruesome aftermath of a nearby massacre, yet their urgency to reach the fort compels them to overlook this horror. During the journey, romance begins to blossom between Cora and Hawkeye, while Uncas finds a connection with Alice. The tale unfolds as they discover that Fort William Henry is under siege from French forces, aided by their Huron allies.
Under the shroud of darkness, a determined militiaman, assisted by Hawkeye, Chingachgook, and Uncas, attempts to relay essential information to General Webb stationed at Fort Edward. Meanwhile, Heyward's jealousy simmer intensifies as Cora remains hesitant about accepting his marriage proposal.
In a daring act of defiance, Hawkeye aids the militiamen's escape when Colonel Munro denies them a chance to protect their homes. This rebellion labels him a seditionist, and he is sentenced to death under British law. However, Munro, faced with the knowledge that General Webb will not send reinforcements, ultimately concedes to the surrender terms placed by French General Louis-Joseph de Montcalm.
Magua, filled with fury towards Colonel Munro, becomes an increasingly threatening presence in the ensuing conflict. As Munro and his party attempt to flee the fort, they are ambushed by Huron warriors, leaving devastation in their path. Captured and gravely wounded, Munro is a witness to Magua’s cruel revenge as he vows to butcher his daughters and claim their father’s heart.
In a desperate bid for survival, Hawkeye, Uncas, and Chingachgook bravely navigate the chaos to save Cora, Alice, Heyward, and a handful of British soldiers. They seek refuge behind a waterfall, but they soon find themselves pursued by Magua once again. As they prepare to leap to safety, Hawkeye urges Cora to endure, promising to find her, no matter the obstacles.
Magua, meanwhile, presents his captives as trophies to a Huron sachem who decrees that Heyward will be returned to British forces, Alice shall be given to Magua as punishment for Munro's actions, and Cora will face a fiery fate. Undeterred by the sachem's ultimatum, Hawkeye enters the village unarmed in a brave attempt to negotiate. The Huron leader agrees to release Heyward, but ultimately condemns Cora to death. In a moment of sacrifice, Hawkeye offers himself for her, but it is Heyward who interprets and volunteers to take Hawkeye's place.
This tragic decision propels Chingachgook, Uncas, and Hawkeye into a rescue mission for Alice from Magua's clutches. Uncas proves himself in battle, taking down numerous Hurons but ultimately succumbs to Magua’s treachery, falling to his death. Heartbroken over her friend’s loss, Alice refuses to be with her captor, choosing to leap from the precipice instead.
Furious at this double tragedy, Hawkeye and Chingachgook pursue Magua's group, sparking a fierce battle that results in many Hurons falling. In the aftermath, Hawkeye holds the remaining Hurons at gunpoint, allowing Chingachgook to confront Magua for vengeance.
With Magua defeated and the remaining tribesmen scattered, Chingachgook offers a moving prayer to the Great Spirit for Uncas, seeking peace for his soul. In this somber moment, Chingachgook declares himself "the last of the Mohicans," a poignant statement that resonates through the wilderness as a dirge for a bygone era.
