Russia 1805. When we first meet Pierre (Paul Dano), Natasha (Lily James) and Andrei (James Norton), their youthful ambition, despite their privilege circumstances, is to find meaning in their lives. Kind-hearted but awkward Pierre, the illegitimate son of Russian's richest man, wants to change the world for the better. The beautiful and spirited Natasha is searching for true love, while handsome and gallant Andrei, frustrated with the superficiality of society, seeks a higher purpose.

At the same time Napoleon's army edges ever closer to Russia's borders. As everything they thought they knew is thrown into question, Pierre, Andrei and Natasha find themselves in a time when russian lives are about to change forever.