As young boys growing up in a challenging environment, J. R. R. Tolkien (Nicholas Hoult) and his sibling rely on the guidance of Father Francis (Colm Meaney), who steps in to help when their single mother faces financial difficulties. Forced to move from their home into modest accommodations in Birmingham, their loving mother dedicates her time to enchanting them with captivating tales of adventure and mystery, which she shares by the warm glow of the fireplace. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes when Tolkien discovers her lifeless body after returning home from school.
Father Francis takes on the responsibility of guardianship over the boys and eventually finds a benevolent wealthy woman willing to welcome them into her home, ensuring they have the necessary support to continue their education. It is within this new environment that Tolkien encounters Edith Bratt (Lily Collins), the only other ward of the woman. He is instantly drawn to Edith, captivated by her musical talent on the piano, and a beautiful friendship blossoms between them.
At school, Tolkien quickly demonstrates a natural flair for languages, which draws the ire of a rival classmate, Robert (Patrick Gibson). After a scuffle between the two, the headmaster, who is also Robert's father, mandates that they must spend all their time together for the rest of the term. Though they initially bristle at the arrangement, Tolkien soon integrates into Robert's tight-knit group of friends. The bond forms between J. R. R., Robert, Geoffrey (Anthony Boyle), and Christopher (Tom Glynn-Carney) deepens over the years, even as they embark on their university journeys.
Meanwhile, Tolkien and Edith's friendship flourishes, and he falls deeply in love with her. However, Father Francis becomes aware of their romantic involvement and determines that it negatively impacts Tolkien's academic performance. He forbids Tolkien from pursuing Edith while under his guardianship, leaving Tolkien distraught at the thought of losing Father's financial assistance for his education. In a heart-wrenching conversation with Edith, he assures her they can be together when he turns 21, yet she decides to end their relationship.
As Tolkien finds himself struggling at Oxford, a series of unfortunate events—culminating in his scholarship being revoked—push him to the brink of withdrawing from the university. The day he learns of Edith's engagement to another man shatters him completely. His closest friend, Geoffrey, offers support during this dark time, but Tolkien’s journey takes a hopeful turn when esteemed professor Joseph Wright (Derek Jacobi) recognizes his potential and sponsors his scholarship, allowing him to stay at Oxford and pursue his true love for language.
With the onset of World War I, Tolkien and his friends enlist in the British Army. Just before he departs, a crucial moment occurs when Edith returns, and they proclaim their love for one another. Their lives intersect painfully at the Battle of the Somme, where Tolkien is afflicted with trench fever and hears Geoffrey's distant call, only to lose consciousness in his search for him. When he awakens in a hospital weeks later, he is met by Edith, only to discover the devastating news of Geoffrey and Robert's demise.
In the years that follow, Tolkien marries Edith and together they raise a family. He secures a professorship at Oxford, and the film concludes with a deeply inspired Tolkien poised to write the iconic opening for The Hobbit. This beloved tale was published in 1937, propelling him to international fame, with Tolkien passing away in 1973, just two years after the loss of Edith.
