Irma Vep

The story begins with René Vidal, a director facing the chaos of production for a film centered around Maggie Cheung's character, Irma Vep. This character is a skilled burglar and spy, known for her striking black latex catsuit, which complicates the production even further.

As filming progresses, René becomes increasingly frustrated with the dailies, deeming the footage to be lifeless and unenlightening. His disdain for the work reaches a boiling point, leading him to leave in a fit of rage and effectively isolating Maggie.

Maggie receives an invitation from costume designer Zoé to join her and other crew members for dinner. During the meal, Zoé unexpectedly reveals her romantic feelings for Maggie, creating an awkward and embarrassing moment for both of them.

Following a tumultuous incident with René's wife, Maggie visits René at his hotel room. In this vulnerable moment, René confesses that his primary motivation for making the film is his desire to collaborate with Maggie, further complicating their professional relationship.

That night, influenced by her character, Maggie dons the infamous catsuit and commits a burglary in a hotel suite. In an unsettling scene, she steals jewelry while another woman argues on the phone, showcasing Maggie's commitment to fully embodying her role.

The following day, Zoé picks up Maggie from her hotel while René does not appear on set. With René absent, the film crew struggles to continue production amid mounting tensions and uncertainty regarding the project.

During a night out at a bar, José Mirano, an authoritative director, informs Maggie's co-star Laure that René has suffered a breakdown. José is tasked with taking over the project, and he expresses his views that a Chinese actress should not play such an iconic French character.

In a taxi with Zoé, they head towards a rave but, feeling conflicted, Maggie hesitates and ultimately decides to forgo joining the revelry. This decision leaves Zoé alone in the vibrant crowd, further illustrating Maggie's internal struggles.

At the screening facility, José and the cast review the edited rushes compiled by René, emphasizing how the production has deteriorated. Maggie's absence is felt strongly, sparking whispered rumors that she has left for America to work with the famed director Ridley Scott.

The film culminates with a surreal montage of the reviewed rushes that are marred by scratches and inconsistencies. This ending leaves the fate of the film and its characters open to interpretation, highlighting the chaos that permeated the production process.