The story revolves around a young and inexperienced woman, whose life takes a dark and mysterious turn when she marries the wealthy and enigmatic widower, Maxim de Winter.

The film begins as the unnamed protagonist, played by Joan Fontaine, meets Maxim de Winter, portrayed by Laurence Olivier, while working as a companion to a wealthy woman in Monte Carlo. They quickly fall in love and decide to marry, after which they return to Maxim's grand estate, Manderley, in England. However, upon her arrival at Manderley, the new Mrs. de Winter finds herself overshadowed by the lingering presence of Maxim's deceased first wife, Rebecca. The housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, played by Judith Anderson, is particularly devoted to Rebecca and goes to great lengths to remind the new Mrs. de Winter of her predecessor's beauty and grace. The eerie atmosphere and Mrs. Danvers' sinister manipulation begin to take a toll on the young bride. As the secrets of Manderley and Rebecca's death slowly unravel, the new Mrs. de Winter becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about her husband's past and the circumstances surrounding Rebecca's demise. She discovers dark secrets, deceit, and betrayal that threaten her own happiness and sanity. Rebecca was Alfred Hitchcock’s first Hollywood film and his only one to win the Oscar for Best Picture.