New York City, 1961. Folk singer Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) is at a crossroads.
Guitar in hand, he struggles against seemingly insurmountable obstacles to make a name for himself as a solo act in the music world, but so far, success remains elusive – no thanks to his penchant for picking fights and losing friends.
Relying on the (perhaps misplaced) kindness of those around him, Llewyn embarks on an odyssey that takes him from the streets of Greenwich Village to a Chicago club, where awaits a music mogul who could give him the big break that he desperately needs.