La parella Celestial i Roy són el símbol del somni americà. Ell és un alt executiu i ella una artista amb una carrera fulminant. Fins que un dia es veuen atrapats per circumstàncies que cap dels dos podria haver imaginat. Roy és arrestat i sentenciat a dotze anys per un crim. Celestial sap que no el va cometre i lluitarà perquè pugui tornar a casa.
Més enllà de la trama, la història explora de manera suau i subtil problemes socials i polítics com el lloc del matrimoni a la societat moderna, el racisme sistèmic, la masculinitat i daltres.
Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of the American Dream. He is a young executive, and she is an artist on the brink of an exciting career. Until one day they are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. Roy is arrested and sentenced to twelve years for a crime Celestial knows he didn't commit.
Devastated and unmoored, Celestial finds herself struggling to hold on to the love that has been her centre, taking comfort in Andre, their closest friend. When Roy's conviction is suddenly overturned, he returns home ready to resume their life together.
A masterpiece of storytelling, An American Marriage offers a profoundly insightful look into the hearts and minds of three unforgettable characters who are at once bound together and separated by forces beyond their control.