A young woman named Tess Durbeyfield learns that her family may have noble ancestry. Seeking to improve their fortunes, Tess's parents send her to visit the affluent d'Urberville family, believing them to be relatives. Upon arrival, she meets Alec d'Urberville, who takes a keen interest in her. Despite Alec's advances making her uncomfortable, Tess remains focused on helping her family. Tragedy soon strikes, leading Tess to return home with a heavy heart and a secret burden.

Back in her village, Tess finds work as a milkmaid at a dairy farm, seeking a fresh start. There, she meets and falls in love with Angel Clare, a young man who admires her purity and resilience. As their relationship blossoms, Tess grapples with whether to reveal her past to Angel, fearing it will shatter their happiness. As the wedding day approaches, tensions rise between Tess’s desire for honesty and the haunting shadows of her past.