-->
Year: 2019
Runtime: 113 min
Language: English
Director: Dan Gilroy
In a darkly comedic thriller, a mysterious art phenomenon unleashes a vengeful spirit that targets the greedy and the arrogant, exacting a gruesome toll for the commodification of creative genius. As the body count rises, a circle of deceit and terror ensnares those who have sacrificed artistic integrity for financial gain.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Velvet Buzzsaw yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
The story begins by following the renowned art critic Morf Vanderwalt, who is known for his strong opinions and the influence they hold over the art world. As he attends the grand opening of an exhibit in the vibrant Miami Beach, he mingles with notable figures in the industry, including gallery owner Rhonda Haze and established artist Piers, alongside various patrons who appreciate avant-garde art.
The plot thickens when Josephina, a local artist, stumbles upon the lifeless body of her neighbor, the troubled artist Vetril Dease. Exploring his studio, she discovers an array of captivating paintings amidst the remnants of others he desperately attempted to destroy. Intrigued, Josephina decides to showcase these pieces to Rhonda, unaware of the dark legacy that accompanies them.
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Dease’s life was fraught with torment, leading him to a mental asylum where he sought refuge. Following the reveal of his artwork, an uncanny series of deaths begins to plague those associated with the stolen paintings. Rhonda, in a bid to inflate the value of the pieces, orchestrates a strategy to create artificial scarcity by eliminating some of them.
This decision triggers a cascade of horrifying events; the individual tasked with moving the artworks meets a brutal end, and a hopeful art collector faces a similarly gruesome fate. Unbeknownst to Morf, the critic soon realizes that these paintings are imbued with a dark essence—truly “Art to Die For.” Sadly, by this time, it’s far too late for him and Rhonda, as the paintings exact their bloody revenge on those who sought only to profit from their beauty.
As the credits roll, viewers witness a glimpse of an alternative fate through the lens of an artist who managed to escape the art world’s sinister grasp; he chooses to create art that resonates with his spirit instead of succumbing to the lure of monetary gain, truly embracing the essence of originality.
Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 16:04
Velvet Buzzsaw (2019) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Velvet Buzzsaw (2019) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Velvet Buzzsaw – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Tenebrae (1984) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Neon Flesh (2012) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Beta Test (2021) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Velvet Goldmine (1998) Movie Recap & Themes
The Exterminating Angels (2007) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Voyeurs (2021) Story Summary & Characters
The Neon Demon (2016) Film Overview & Timeline
Bloodthirsty (2021) Full Summary & Key Details
The Burnt Orange Heresy (2020) Movie Recap & Themes
Sliver (1993) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Lavender (2017) Full Summary & Key Details
Blue Velvet (1986) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Velvet Jesus (2023) Film Overview & Timeline
Swallowed (2023) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Deep Murder (2019) Complete Plot Breakdown