The story of Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde told from the perspective of the doctor's chambermaid Mary Reilly (Julia Roberts) and thereby transformed into a 'Jane Eyre'-style gothic romance. When Mary escapes a difficult childhood and begins working in the house of the reclusive Doctor Jekyll, she soon finds herself taken into her employer's confidence. However, while she grows to trust and respect the Doctor, she also finds herself attracted to his mysterious and sinister assistant Mr Hyde.