Solomon Northup （Chiwetel Ejiofor） was originally a free man, making a living playing the violin, with a wife and two children, living a happy life. However, he was deceived by two white men who believed he was a musician for a circus and was taken to Washington. When he woke up, he realized that he had become a slave. Initially, he was sold to Mr. Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch) and became a slave on his plantation. But soon, he was sold again to Mr. Epps (Michael Fassbender), who was known as the"slave terminator". Solomon spent his days picking cotton in the plantation and witnessed the tragedies of many other slaves. After 12 years, he never gave up hope of regaining his freedom until he met a progressive thinker, Mr. Bass (Brad Pitt), a carpenter. Will Solomon be able to end his life as a slave? This film is based on the true story of Solomon Northup.