Inspector Frederick Abberline (Johnny Depp), who's opium addiction leads to boughts of clairvoyancy, works with Sergeant Peter Godley (Robbie Coltrane), to investigate a series of vicious and ritualistic murders, in Victorian Era London. Meanwhile, a group of prostitutes, amongst them, Mary Kelly (Heather Graham), are slowly picked off, one by one, becoming victims of "Jack the Ripper". Abberline's investigation eventually draws him to Mary Kelly, as he attempts to save her and her friends from the world's first serial killer. Palace intrigue and glimpses into Victorian Era medicine and psychiatry play an integral role in discovering the face behind "Jack" and what he believes he's attempting to accomplish.