In the early 20th century American South, a young African American girl named Celie navigates a life of severe hardship and abuse. From a very young age, Celie is subjected to unimaginable horrors that include being repeatedly raped by the man she believes to be her father, resulting in the birth of two children who are taken away from her. Her spirit and sense of self are further crushed when she is forced into an abusive marriage with a brutal man known only as "Mister", who treats her more like a servant than a wife. Celie's life is one of isolation and desperation, as she longs for a love and respect she has never known.

Amidst this bleak existence, hope and redemption come into Celie's life in the form of two strong women: her husband's mistress, Shug Avery, a beautiful and independent singer, and Sofia, her spirited step-daughter-in-law. Through her relationships with these women, Celie begins to discover her own inner strength and the courage to stand up for herself. The connections and sisterhood that form between these women in the face of societal and personal adversities offer Celie glimpses of a different future, teaching her the power of resilience and the importance of seeking joy and fulfillment in a world that seems designed to deny her both.