In 1935, thirteen-year-old girl, Briony Tallis witnesses a sexual encounter between her older sister Cecilia and Robbie Turner who happens to be the housekeeper’s son; howevert she is too young to understand the dynamics of the relationship.
Despite a powerful connection between Robbie and Cecilia, they move in different social circles, and Cecilia is being set up with her brother’s wealthy friend Paul Marshall (Benedict Cumberbatch). Embarrassed by the incident, Robbie writes several versions of an apology but gives Briony the wrong letter to deliver to Cecilia. Unknown to Robbie, Briony read the letter, and later catches Robbie and Cecilia in an act of passion. When Briony observes a man raping her fifteen-year-old cousin but only sees
Despite a powerful connection between Robbie and Cecilia, they move in different social circles, and Cecilia is being set up with her brother’s wealthy friend Paul Marshall (Benedict Cumberbatch). Embarrassed by the incident, Robbie writes several versions of an apology but gives Briony the wrong letter to deliver to Cecilia. Unknown to Robbie, Briony read the letter, and later catches Robbie and Cecilia in an act of passion. When Briony observes a man raping her fifteen-year-old cousin but only sees