Pablo Picasso confronts the threat of fascism in Spain, and Young Pablo rejects traditional painting to search for his own voice.

Picasso's relationship with Dora Maar is strained by war. Young Pablo succeeds by imitating the masters, but struggles to be original.

Picasso meets his great love Franoise Gilot. Young Pablo begins his Blue Period after the suicide of his friend.

As older Picasso juggles two love affairs, Young Pablo strives to create a masterpiece that will signal his arrival as a great artist.

Picasso tries to convince Françoise to move in with him, while Young Pablo is challenged by the radical genius of Matisse.