In the early 1960s, folk singer Llewyn Davis is trying to make a name for himself in the New York City music scene. He's broke most of the time, doesn't have a place to live - he usually crashes on a friend's couch - and is having trouble booking gigs. His agent doesn't seem to be promoting his last album and he contemplates returning to his old job as a merchant seaman. For Llewyn however, life seems to just repeat itself.
In Greenwich Village in the early 1960s, gifted but volatile folk musician Llewyn Davis struggles with money, relationships, and his uncertain future following the suicide of his singing partner.