When Alfred Kinsey (Liam Neeson) finds over the course of his teachings that there is no information on sexuality and science, he decides to interview thousands of students and have them answer personal questions about their sex lives. Set in the late 1940's, Kinsey's research is considered taboo. His outlandish and eccentric behavior is being ridiculed and stigmatized. However, Kinsey pushes forward and, with the hopes of creating more acceptance around sexuality, continues surveying both men and women. When he meets a young, attractive student named Clara (Laura Linney), he begins his own sexual journey through provocative and promiscuous sex.