In 1931 Paris, a young boy named Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield) navigates a life filled with loss and secrecy. After witnessing the tragic death of his father, a skilled clockmaker (Jude Law), in a fire, Hugo lives with his disinterested uncle, Claude, who takes care of the clocks at the bustling Gare Montparnasse railway station. As he hides within the walls of the station, Hugo dedicates himself to completing his father’s unfinished work: repairing a mysterious broken automaton, which he believes carries a message from his late father.

In his quest, Hugo finds himself in the crosshairs of Georges Méliès (Ben Kingsley), the shopkeeper of a toy store, who becomes suspicious of the boy’s thieving. After being captured, Hugo desperately seeks to retrieve his notebook containing the blueprints for the automaton, leading to an exhilarating chase through the station with the relentless Train Inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen) on his tail.

As fate would have it, Hugo meets Isabelle (Chloë Grace Moretz), the goddaughter of Méliès. She helps him find common ground, and together, they embark on a series of adventures, including a secret trip to the cinema, a place Isabelle had never been allowed to explore. In their quest for answers about the automaton, Isabelle reveals that she possesses the key to activate it — a heart-shaped object that holds the power to unlock Hugo’s father’s legacy.

When the automaton finally comes to life, it draws a scene from an old movie that Hugo’s father cherished, leading the duo to unravel more profound truths about Méliès. They discover that Georges had once been a revered filmmaker whose creations were lost to the ravages of war and time. As they delve into the past, they uncover secrets and artifacts that shed light on Méliès’s illustrious career and tragic downfall.

Despite being intercepted multiple times by the police, Hugo’s determination drives him back to the train station. There, amid the ticking clocks and the looming threat of the inspector, he risks everything to save the automaton, which symbolizes not just his father’s broken dreams but also the magic of cinema itself. After a harrowing rescue, Georges finally acknowledges Hugo and his contributions, leading to a heartwarming conclusion where Méliès is celebrated for his artistry.

As a new chapter unfolds, Hugo becomes an apprentice to Méliès, while Isabelle chooses to express her creativity through writing. Together, they learn that dreams can be rekindled and that the stories of the past remain alive through the magic of film. As Georges reflects on his journey, he encourages others to “follow their dreams,” ultimately highlighting the importance of perseverance, friendship, and the wonders of storytelling.