In 1930s New York, during the depths of the Great Depression, struggling vaudeville actress Ann Darrow finds herself out of work and desperate. An ambitious filmmaker, Carl Denham, is facing his own pressures to produce an exciting new film. When he encounters Ann, he convinces her to star in his upcoming venture, deceiving her and his cast about the true nature of the project. Carl has obtained a mysterious map that promises to lead them to a legendary uncharted island. Sailing aboard the SS Venture, with screenwriter Jack Driscoll and a hopeful film crew, they embark on what they expect to be the greatest adventure of their lives, completely unaware of the wonders and terrors they're about to encounter.

Upon arrival, the crew finds an island shrouded in mystery, inhabited by prehistoric creatures and the island's revered god, a gigantic ape they soon learn is named Kong. When Ann is captured by the island's native inhabitants and offered as a sacrifice to Kong, an unexpected bond forms between the giant ape and the actress. The crew's desperate mission to rescue Ann leads them deeper into the island's primordial landscapes, facing nightmarish creatures and escalating danger. Meanwhile, Denham sees potential in bringing Kong back to New York, dreaming of wealth and fame that could be his if he can capture this magnificent beast.