Based on Charlotte Bronte's work as a governess in Brussels, Villette concerns the life of Lucy Snowe, an English girl who obtains a post at a girl's school in Belgium. Lucy proves herself diligent and reliable, although she has few friends and little money. After being unlucky in love, Lucy concentrates on her work. Unexpectedly, she catches the eye of a disagreeable, solitary and unlikely suitor. Can they show each other that there is more to life than loneliness?