Enigma is director Michael Apted's skillful adaptation of the best seller by Robert Harris. In March 1943 the code breakers at Bletchley Park, Britain's top secret intelligence station, are facing their worst nightmare. Nazi U boats have unexpectedly changed the code by which they communicate with each other and the German High Command. An Allied merchant shipping convoy crossing the Atlantic with 10,000 passengers and vital supplies is in danger of attack. The authorities turn for help to Tom Jericho, a brilliant young mathematician and code breaker.

Unknown to his colleagues, Jericho (Dougray Scott) has another equally baffling enigma of his own to unravel. Claire (Saffron Burrows), the woman with whom he has fallen in love, has disappeared from Bletchley just when the authorities suspect there may be a spy at the Park. To get to the bottom of both mysteries he enlists the help of Hester (Kate Winslet), Claire's best friend. Together they keep one step ahead of the secret services (led by a suave Jeremy Northam) and investigate Claire's mysterious life, reaching a conclusion that uncovers international and personal betrayals.