Disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist, having been convicted of libel, is hired by wealthy industrialist Henrik Vanger under the guise of writing a family history. However, the true task is to investigate the decades-old disappearance and presumed murder of Vanger's niece, Harriet, which has haunted him for years. With the Vanger family harboring numerous secrets and residing on their secluded island estate, Mikael delves into the family’s complex web of relationships and rivalries, discovering a deeper, darker truth than he anticipated.

Working alongside Mikael is Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant but troubled investigator and hacker. With a painful past and an unconventional approach to her work and life, Lisbeth's skills complement Mikael's journalistic prowess. Together, they sift through a mountain of evidence, piecing together fragments of a chilling puzzle. As they get closer to the heart of the mystery, they find themselves entwined in a perilous journey that forces them to confront their own demons while trying to expose the harrowing secrets of an influential family.