Elephant Man is a period drama that tells the story of Joseph Merrick, known for his severe rare skin and bone diseases. He was first exhibited at a freak show under the stage name "The Elephant Man", and then went to live at the London Hospital after meeting Dr. Frederick Treves. During his friendship with Treves, Merrick slowly evolves from an object of pity to an urbane gentleman, desperate to be recognized as a man like any other.