The story revolves around Maurice, an aging actor portrayed by Peter O'Toole, who finds himself drawn to his friend Ian's great-niece, Jessie, played by Jodie Whittaker. As Maurice grapples with the challenges of his deteriorating health, notably stemming from prostate cancer, he discovers that Jessie, initially seen by him and his friend as a troublesome character, starts to show affection towards him during their interactions.
On one of their outings, Maurice takes Jessie to admire his favorite artwork, the Rokeby Venus, created by Spanish painter Diego Velázquez, at the National Gallery in London. Intrigued by Jessie's interest in modeling, which Maurice amusingly misinterprets as an interest in "yodelling," he arranges for her to participate as a nude model in an art class. This experience leads Maurice to affectionately bestow upon her the nickname "Venus," highlighting his deepening feelings.
Their relationship evolves into a complex dynamic characterized by moments of passive aggression. Maurice is openly attracted to Jessie, while she teases him with subtle gestures like brushing her hand against his or inhaling his scent. However, she often distances herself when things become too intense. The crux of the film delves into their intricate friendship, showing how Maurice views this relationship as one of his final attempts to find love after his prostate operation renders him impotent. Meanwhile, Jessie's feelings are less clear-cut as she oscillates between exploiting Maurice—pressuring him for gifts and using his apartment for her romantic escapades—and moments of genuine care, culminating in a unique rapport between the two.
As the narrative progresses, hints of Jessie's turbulent past emerge, revealing her family's rejection due to her free-spirited lifestyle. This complex relationship with Maurice provides her with a refuge from judgment, leading her to him, even as she grapples with her own intentions. Tension rises when Jessie becomes romantically involved with a boy, prompting her and her partner to persuade Maurice to take a walk, intending to have their intimate moments. Despite initially complying, Maurice eventually ejects the couple from his apartment, leading to an altercation in which Jessie accidentally injures him.
Afterward, Jessie leaves with the boy, indulging in a night of revelry, only to later return out of concern for Maurice. In a moment that surprises Jessie, Maurice feigns memory loss regarding his injury. However, he calls for "Venus," expressing a desire for Jessie to look after him, and she ultimately decides to take care of him out of remorse.
As their journey unfolds, Maurice and Jessie find themselves at the seaside in Whitstable, Kent, signaling a poignant moment of connection. As they settle by the water, Maurice confides to Jessie, “Now, we can really talk,” only to pass away peacefully while leaning against her, marking the culmination of their unique bond.
