Its 1961 and attractive, bright 16-year-old schoolgirl, Jenny (Carey Mulligan) is poised on the brink of womanhood.

Stifled by the tedium of adolescent routine, Jenny can't wait for adult life to begin. One rainy day, her suburban life is upended by the arrival of an unsuitable suitor, 30-ish David (Peter Sarsgaard). To Jennys frank amazement, he manages to charm her conservative parents Jack (Alfred Molina) and Marjorie (Cara Seymour), and effortlessly overcomes any objections to their daughters older suitor. Very quickly, David introduces Jenny to a glittering new world of classical concerts and late-night suppers with his attractive friend and business partner, Danny (Dominic Cooper) and Dannys girlfriend, the beautiful but vacuous Helen (Rosamund Pike).

Just as the familys long-held dream of getting their brilliant daughter into Oxford seems within reach, Jenny is tempted by a more exciting life. Will David be the making of Jenny or her undoing-