Dressed in a flamboyant devil's outfit, Elton John (Taron Egerton) arrives at an addiction rehabilitation session and begins to narrate his life story through a series of vivid flashbacks. Born as Reginald Dwight, he grows up in 1950s England under the care of his emotionally distant mother, Sheila (Bryce Dallas Howard), and his more affectionate grandmother, Ivy (Gemma Jones). His father, Stanley (Steven Mackintosh), is mostly absent, serving in the Royal Air Force. From a young age, Reginald showcases his remarkable talent for music, exhibiting a gift for "playing by ear"—able to replicate melodies after hearing them only once. He dreams of performing for his father, yet Stanley remains indifferent to his musical aspirations.
With Ivy’s encouragement, Reginald embarks on formal piano training, ultimately attending the Royal Academy of Music. However, when Stanley abandons the family after Sheila’s affair, Reginald's life takes another turn. He finds solace in the world of rock music, drawing inspiration from legends like Elvis Presley while performing in local pubs. Eventually, he joins the band Bluesology.
One pivotal night, while backing a touring American soul band, a singer advises him to write his own songs, adopt a new persona, and abandon his old life. Inspired, Reginald adopts the name Elton John. He begins crafting music and seeks success through Dick James’ (Stephen Graham) record label, DJM Records, under the management of Ray Williams (Charlie Rowe). It is during this time that he meets songwriter Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), with whom he forms a fast friendship.
As they collaborate on songs, Elton faces challenges, including being outed by his former bandmates. Despite this, he and Bernie share a flat to work on their music. Together, they craft the heartwarming hit "Your Song," which impresses Dick James enough to secure a debut performance at the iconic Troubadour in Los Angeles. Nervous yet excited, Elton's performance resonates with the audience, marking the beginning of his rise to fame.
However, the success does not shield Elton from personal turmoil. At an after-party at Mama Cass's home, he feels profound loneliness when Bernie chooses to spend time with a woman. It’s then he encounters music manager John Reid (Richard Madden), sparking an intense yet toxic relationship that drives Elton into a spiral of excess and abuse.
As Elton achieves incredible heights of fame in the '70s, his extravagant lifestyle comes at a steep price. Reid’s influence morphs into manipulation and emotional abuse, compelling Elton to confront his sexuality with his parents, who remain indifferent to his struggles. Following a painful reunion with his father, Elton faces rejection yet again. In an attempt to cope, he turns to drugs and alcohol, gravitating toward self-destructive behavior while his friendships erode under the weight of his addiction.
In a moment of desperation, during a drug-fueled party, Elton makes an attempt on his life, only to be rushed to the hospital and immediately thrust back into the spotlight for a high-pressure performance. His tumultuous journey includes a short-lived marriage to a close friend, driven again by the complications of his sexuality, leading to further estrangement from his mother and Bernie.
Ultimately, a heart attack forces Elton to confront the reality of his situation. After being dismissed by Reid, he takes the bold step of leaving a performance at Madison Square Garden to seek rehabilitation. Here, he discovers newfound strength and realizes he can thrive without the influence of his past relationships and vices. With Bernie's support and encouragement, Elton writes "I'm Still Standing," propelling him back into a successful career.
The film concludes with the uplifting revelation that Elton has maintained sobriety for over 28 years. He enjoys a close friendship with Bernie and has found personal happiness in his marriage to David Furnish, with whom he is raising two children.
