Anonymous

The film opens in 1603, with the Globe Theatre burning down. Ben Jonson, a playwright and friend of William Shakespeare, is being tortured by Robert Cecil, who is the Queen's chief advisor. Cecil demands to know if Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, is the true author of the plays attributed to Shakespeare.

The film then flashes back to Oxford's younger years, showing his passion for writing and his relationship with Queen Elizabeth I. Oxford meets the Queen when he is just a teenager and immediately impresses her with his intelligence and wit. He writes plays for her amusement, and they develop a close bond.

Oxford's relationship with the Queen is complicated by his love for a woman named Anne Cecil, Robert Cecil's daughter. He is forced to choose between his love for Anne and his loyalty to the Queen. Meanwhile, Robert Cecil plots against Oxford, fearing that his influence on the Queen is too great.

As Oxford's life becomes more complicated, he decides to create a public persona to protect himself and his loved ones. He chooses a humble actor named William Shakespeare to be the front for his plays. Shakespeare becomes a huge success, but Oxford remains the true author in the shadows.

Oxford's secret is eventually exposed, and he is forced to flee England. He spends the rest of his life in exile, writing under various pseudonyms. The film ends with Oxford reflecting on his life and the legacy of his work.