The story takes place in 1952 in the quiet town of Jupiter, Florida and follows a struggling freak show led by Elsa Mars . Decades have passed since the public have looked upon freak shows as a form of entertainment,but Elsa dreams of finding a home for her "monsters", as well as her own fame.
When conjoined twins Bette and Dot Tattler are taken to the hospital, Elsa sees her chance to finally drum up some business for her sideshow, hoping the two sisters will save her troupe once and for all. Other members include Jimmy Darling, a boy born with syndactyly who dreams of leaving the carny life behind and living a normal life. Jimmy*s mother, the bearded lady Ethel Darling , is Elsa*s second in command and maintains law and order under the tent.
A Strongman from Ethel*s troubled past named Dell Toledo, and his three-breasted wife, Desiree Dupree, make waves when they arrive at the sideshow. In a time when the era of television is beginning to reign high above sideshow acts, these individuals must overcome those who persecute them based on their looks. However, as events unfold, it is revealed that a dark entity has taken up residence in Jupiter and is not happy about the band of freaks being there.