Adapted from the novel of the same name by J L Carr, A Month In The Country is set in the summer of 1920s rural Yorkshire following destitute World War I veteran, Tom Birkin (Colin Firth). Birkin has been employed by a village church to carry out restoration work on a medieval mural while coming to terms with the after-effects of the war.

During his time in the slow-paced village, Birkin forms a close friendship with archaeologist James Moon (Kenneth Branagh), a fellow veteran who is also emotionally scarred following the conflict. The film follows Birkin as he settles into village life, forming romantic relationships and bonding with families and locals.