Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story

The film opens with Agnes Carpenter discovering Karen's body in a closet at the family home in Downey, California, on February 4, 1983. It presents this moment through Karen's mother's perspective and frames the tragedy. The cause is described as cardiac arrest linked to anorexia nervosa, foreshadowed by the hints of her struggle throughout the story.

Karen is discovered in 1966 and is propelled toward stardom as she forms a duo with her brother Richard. The film shows her early auditions, eager producers, and excitement around a fresh pop sound. This moment begins her decade-spanning ascent in the music world.

Karen and Richard sign with A&M Records after catching the attention of label owner Herb Alpert, depicted as Mr. A&M in the film. Their early releases yield immediate chart success and a signature, wholesome image. The duo's rapid rise establishes Karen as a pop icon and sets expectations for ongoing triumph.

The film shows the peak of their popularity followed by a gradual decline as health strains and internal tensions mount. Touring pressures, creative demands, and personal strains encroach on their ability to sustain momentum. The period marks a turning point that shadows Karen's later battles with anorexia.

Karen's struggle with anorexia nervosa intensifies during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The illness disrupts performances, daily routines, and self-image, affecting both her work and relationships. The film uses the visual motif to illustrate the toll of the disease on her life.

Karen enters a marriage with Thomas Burris that lasts 14 months, a relationship set against the backdrop of fame and illness. It is portrayed as emotionally fraught, reflecting the costs of her health struggles. The marriage underscores the pressures she faced away from the stage.

During a Las Vegas performance, Karen collapses on stage due to exhaustion and illness linked to anorexia. The incident triggers renewed concern from her team and family about her health and future. It becomes a focal point for discussions about treatment and recovery.

Following the collapse, Karen and her family search for medical and therapeutic treatment for her anorexia. They explore clinics and approaches across the country, often meeting resistance and slow progress. The struggle illustrates both the seriousness of the illness and the emotional toll on those around her.

After treatment efforts, there is an attempt to restart Karen's music career, with rehearsal and recording efforts resumed in the hope of returning to performance. The work is fraught with health setbacks, fear of relapse, and the difficulty of balancing ambition with recovery. The scene conveys a fragile sense of possibility amid ongoing struggle.

The narrative notes that Karen gradually relies on syrup of ipecac, a dangerous practice she uses to control weight and illness without fully understanding the danger. This pattern contributes to deterioration of her heart and ultimately to her cardiac arrest. The detail underscores the deadly risks of eating disorders and self-treatment.

Most roles are performed by modified Barbie dolls, with sets scaled to their forms to recreate familiar locations. The film interjects with surreal visuals to create mood and commentary. A recurring black-and-white overhead spanking motif is used as a visual symbol, left open to interpretation.

Interspersed throughout are documentary-style segments offering background on anorexia and the era in which Karen lived. These inserts provide factual context and historical flavor alongside the fictionalized events. They contribute to the film's critical tone and thematic framing.