Befriended by aristocrat Sebastian Flyte, Oxford student Charles Ryder finds that the power and privilege experienced by the family is seductive. On a visit to the ancestral home, Brideshead, he falls in love with his friend's sister, Julia. However, as his ties to the Flytes deepen, Ryder finds himself at odds with their strong Roman Catholicism.

Matthew Goode
as Charles Ryder

Ben Whishaw
as Sebastian Flyte

Hayley Atwell
as Julia Flyte

Emma Thompson
as Lady Marchmain

Michael Gambon
as Lord Marchmain

Patrick Malahide
as Mr. Ryder

Ed Stoppard
as Bridey Flyte

Greta Scacchi
as Cara

Anna Madeley
as Celia

Jonathan Cake
as Rex Mottram