The film begins with a young Judy Garland, portrayed by Darci Shaw, on the set of the iconic 'THE WIZARD OF OZ' in 1939. Here, she is shadowing the MGM studio head, Louis B. Mayer. During their conversation, Louis tells Judy that while numerous girls may look better than her, they lack what she possesses: a voice that can touch people's hearts. Yet, he suggests that if she desires an ordinary life—like working in a restaurant or being a home-maker—she is free to walk away. Judy, feeling remorseful over her longing for a "normal" existence, expresses that a night out at the theater might be beneficial. Louis, however, scoffs, implying that he could easily replace her with Shirley Temple. The scene transitions as they move to the musical director's area, starting with the beloved tune, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
Fast forward to 1968, and an aged Judy, played by Renée Zellweger, is seen with her two younger children, Lorna Luft and Joey Luft. As she dresses Joey, she jests about his swift growth costing her money for new pants. Having just wrapped up a concert series at New York's Palace Theater, she receives a disappointing payment of $150, a far cry from what she had hoped for.
After the show, Judy takes her children back to their hotel, only to discover they have lost their room due to unpaid bills. With her children growing tired and hungry, she feels compelled to take them to their father’s house, her third ex-husband, Sid Luft. At Sid's place, a heated argument arises about what's best for the children’s future. Sid advocates for stability and insists they can stay with him, whereas Judy, as their mother, believes they should be with her. Feelings intensified, she departs and heads over to her eldest daughter, Liza Minnelli.
At a party, Judy reconnects with Liza, who excitedly shares about her upcoming show. Amidst the festivities, she meets Mickey Deans, who charms her into postponing another social gathering with Liza to continue the evening with him. This moment prompts a flashback to a teenage Judy enjoying lunch with Mickey Rooney, depicted as a banter-filled yet bittersweet encounter highlighting her struggles with diet and the pressures of stardom.
Transitioning back to 1968, Judy realizes she must travel to London to regain financial stability for her children. In a tender moment with Joey, they share an emotional connection, demonstrating her desire to be present in their lives. She playfully suggests they could all fit into her closet, emphasizing her yearning for closeness.
Upon reaching London, Judy, now paired with her minder, Rosalyn Wilder, begins to navigate rehearsals, revealing her inability to truly recover from the pressures that haunt her. Despite promising rehearsal conditions, she struggles emotionally. The night before her much-anticipated show, she evades the reality of her situation.
Opening Night arrives, but with Rosalyn’s frantic search, she finds Judy in despair. Transforming into her stage persona, Judy delivers a stunning performance, yet quickly collapses backstage under the weight of exhaustion. This leads to poignant flashbacks that reveal her past—filled with turbulence, drugs, and pressures from the studio.
Following a series of performances, she meets two adoring fans who invite her to dinner at their flat. This wholesome interaction becomes a comfort for Judy, which starkly contrasts with her chaotic life. Later, she is surprised by Mickey, who unexpectedly flew to London, highlighting their growing bond. Their relationship deepens as Judy contemplates marrying him, leading to unexpected happiness.
Still battling her demons, Judy confronts her difficult reputation with concert attendees. A crushing moment occurs when she encounters Sidney Luft, who further complicates her emotional struggles regarding motherhood. As her series in London nears an end, a heartwarming surprise from her crew reminds her of her journey.
In a personal moment at the backstage of a venue, Judy intervenes during a scheduled act, captivating everyone by performing "Over the Rainbow." As she nearly breaks down, the audience joins in, creating a powerful moment of unity and love. Ultimately, she questions, "You won't forget me, will you? Promise you won't," highlighting her ongoing search for belonging and acceptance amid the chaos of her life.
