The great artist Edgar Degas is in crisis after the death of his father. Saddled with debt and struggling to survive, he derives unexpected inspiration from an aspiring young ballerina named Marie. Degas helps Marie tap into the incredible talent she doesn't believe she has, especially when compared to her beautiful and confident ballerina sister, Pauline. As his model, Marie witnesses everything from genius to rage to frustration. When a highly anticipated art exhibition proves to be a disaster, Marie convinces Degas to persevere despite biting criticism from the Parisian art establishment. In the hours they spend together as artist and model, they become friends and confidantes, finding in each other what they most need to move forward and follow their dreams.