Filmmaker James Whale (Ian McKellen), known for directing "Frankenstein" and "The Invisible Man," is away from the spotlight and officially retired after suffering from debilitating strokes. As he is mainly reclusive in his home, Whale befriends his gardener, Clayton Boone (Fraser), and the two bond over different parts of their lives. Despite their rocky relationship at points, the two learn valuable lessons through one another and form a unique bond that will impact them for the rest of their lives.