Rome, 1961. As the camera roll on the film set of Cleopatra, the Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton love affair is about to capture the world’s attention.

When Diana Bailey arrives on set to begin work as a historical advisor, tensions are running high. The film is already in financial crisis and a media storm is brewing over the Burton–Taylor relationship, with paparazzo swarming at the gates of Cinecittà.

As Diana adjusts to her new life away from her troubled marriage, she strikes up a close friendship with Helen, a young makeup artist, and seeks solace in Ernesto, a charismatic member of the film crew. But Helen is harbouring a dark secret of her own, one that will affect Diana in more ways that she could ever imagine…