Babylon

In 1926, Manny Torres arrives in Bel Air, California, ready to embark on an unexpected adventure. He mistakenly believes he is transporting a horse for a lavish party, but soon discovers it is an elephant, setting the stage for chaos.

As Manny and the truck driver ascend a hill with the elephant, things take a turn when the truck rolls down the hill, famously marked by the elephant's sudden defecation on Manny's accomplice. This hilarious yet chaotic moment marks the beginning of Manny's tumultuous evening.

Manny successfully delivers the elephant to a wild soiree hosted by Don Wallach. The party is lavish and chaotic, filled with topless women, a plethora of drugs, and vibrant jazz music performed by Sidney Palmer and Lady Fay Zhu.

During the party, veteran actor Jack Conrad faces personal turmoil when his wife Ina demands a divorce due to his indifferent behavior. This snapshot of his domestic strife offers a glimpse into the struggles behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Nellie LaRoy arrives at the party in a striking red dress but immediately complicates matters by crashing her car into a statue. She meets Manny, and with his help, gains entry into the bash, where they bond over cocaine and shared dreams.

When chaos strikes as an actress overdoses during the celebration, Manny is tasked with managing the crisis. To divert attention, they unleash the elephant, creating a distraction while discreetly handling the situation with Jane Thornton.

After a night of chaos, Manny is given the responsibility to manage unruly extras on the set of a crusader epic. He steps up heroically, commandeering a horse while brandishing a gun to restore order, even at the cost of damaging equipment.

Nellie arrives on set where Ruth Adler and her assistant director consider her for a role in a silent western. Initially skeptical, they lose their doubts as Nellie impresses them. However, a fire threatens production, but the crew resolves to keep filming.

By 1927, Nellie's career is on the rise, yet her interactions with fellow actress Constance Moore raise tensions. Meanwhile, her father reemerges to exploit her success, showcasing the personal challenges accompanying her newfound fame.

Manny observes the evolution of cinema, reaching out to Jack to discuss moments he's noticing in the industry. As groundbreaking films start hitting theaters, the landscape of Hollywood is shifting dramatically.

In New York City, Manny has a chaotic reunion with Nellie during a screening in 1928. Their past reconnects amidst the pressures of fame, revealing the complexities of their relationship as they navigate their tumultuous histories.

Back in Hollywood, a crew member tragically dies from heatstroke during a talkie filming. This incident highlights the harsh realities and physical demands involved in the filmmaking process while Nellie grapples with her reputation.

As tensions escalate in 1930, Manny and Elinor attempt to help Nellie restore her tarnished image. Despite their efforts, Nellie's behavior causes explosive confrontations, reflecting the difficulties faced in the rapidly changing industry.

In 1932, Nellie's gambling debts threaten her future, and Manny is drawn back into her tumultuous life. Their shared aspirations lead to plans for escape, but the tragic fallout of Jack's life looms heavily over their paths.

In 1952, Manny returns to Los Angeles, reflecting on the ghosts of his past and finding solace in a film that embodies his memories with Nellie. This bittersweet moment captures the enduring impact of their journey within the evolution of cinema.