Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) was originally a free man who made a living by playing the violin. He had a wife and two children and lived a happy life. Unexpectedly, he was deceived by two white people who thought he was a circus performance accompaniment and went to Washington. When he woke up, he found that he had become a black slave. At first, he was sold to Mr. Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch) and worked as a slave in the manor. Soon he was sold to Mr. Epps (Michael Fassbender), known as the "slave terminator". He picked cotton day after day on the plantation and witnessed many tragedies of black slaves. 12 years later, he never gave up the hope of returning to freedom until he met a progressive person-Mr. Bass (Brad Pitt), a carpenter. Can Solomon end his fate as a slave? This film is adapted from the true story of Solomon Northup.