It's 1957, and Hollywood horror director James Whale's heyday as the director of "Frankenstein, " "Bride of Frankenstein" and "The invisible man" is long behind him. Retired and a semi-recluse, he lives his days accompanied only by images from his past. When his dour housekeeper Hannah hires handsome young gardener Clayton Boone, the gay director and the simple yardman develop an unlikely friendship.