In a twist on fairy tale tradition, an unsociable ogre named Shrek finds his swamp overrun with myriad banished creatures decided by the diminutive and oppressive Lord Farquaad. To reclaim the solitude of his swamp, Shrek strikes a deal with Farquaad to rescue Princess Fiona, who is awaiting her true love in a dragon-guarded castle. Farquaad intends to marry Fiona to claim the title of king. Accompanied by a relentlessly talkative donkey, Shrek embarks on his quest but is unprepared for the revelations and challenges that unfold.

Along the journey, the mismatched pair of Shrek and Donkey encounter a host of fairy tale misfits and manage to reach Fiona, securing her rescue in an unconventional manner. Fiona harbors a secret that she believes will ensure her isolation from the world, a secret that is tied to a curse that only a kiss from her true love can break. The growing camaraderie between the trio is palpable, yet Fiona remains fixated on fulfilling her traditional fairy tale ending, complete with misleading appearances and unspoken truths. As they make their way back to Farquaad, the characters grapple with the complexities of identity, friendship, and the nature of true love.