Vox Lux

Vox Lux

Year: 2018

Runtime: 114 min

Language: english

Echo Score: 68

Budget: $11M

DramaMusicMusical

After a tragic event in 1999, a young woman's extraordinary talent emerges, launching her to international stardom with the help of her sister and a skilled manager. Fifteen years later, as a global icon on a comeback tour, she grapples with personal struggles and the pressures of immense fame, exploring themes of motherhood, mental health, and the complexities of the American celebrity landscape.

Vox Lux (2018) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Vox Lux (2018) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the aftermath of a shocking tragedy that rocks a quiet Staten Island school, a young woman discovers a voice that cannot be ignored. Celeste Montgomery—quiet, resilient, and suddenly thrust into the public eye—finds solace in music, channeling grief into haunting melodies that resonate far beyond the confines of her hometown. The film opens a world where the glow of spotlights masks lingering echoes of loss, setting a tone that blends stark realism with the glittering artifice of pop culture.

Supported by her older sister Ellie, whose own artistic sensibilities complement Celeste’s, the duo crafts songs that feel both intimate and universal. Their partnership becomes the foundation for a meteoric rise, aided by a charismatic, seasoned manager whose industry savvy steers Celeste toward international fame. As the pop star’s image crystallizes—glossy videos, sold‑out arenas, and a legion of admirers—the narrative dwells on the tension between the constructed persona and the fragile human beneath.

Fifteen years later, Celeste stands at the precipice of a grand comeback tour, her career now an emblem of modern celebrity. Alongside her teenage daughter, she navigates the precarious balance of motherhood, fame, and mental health, each facet pulling her in different directions. The film’s atmosphere shimmers with the sheen of spectacle while subtly exposing the relentless pressures that accompany a life lived under constant scrutiny.

Through striking visuals and a pulse‑quickening soundtrack, the story invites viewers to contemplate the cost of stardom and the ways in which art can both heal and haunt. It is a haunting meditation on identity, resilience, and the fragile line between performance and reality, leaving the audience eager to explore the depths beneath the dazzling exterior.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 02:10

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Stories of stardom that reveal the trauma and turmoil behind the glamour.Find movies like Vox Lux that critically examine the corrosive impact of celebrity culture. If you enjoyed the portrayal of a star grappling with trauma, addiction, and media scrutiny, this thread features similar intense dramas about the price of fame.

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Movies are grouped here because they share a critical, dark perspective on celebrity. They all feature high emotional intensity, a focus on psychological unraveling, and a thematic exploration of how fame consumes the individual, creating a grim and often exhausting viewing experience.

Movies about art born from trauma like Vox Lux

Stories where profound art or success is forged in the fires of personal catastrophe.Discover movies similar to Vox Lux where artistic creation is a direct response to tragedy. This thread features heavy dramas about musicians, artists, and performers whose work is inextricably linked to their personal trauma and psychological struggles.

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Narrative Summary

The defining pattern is a 'deal with the devil' narrative, where a character survives a tragedy and channels it into a powerful public identity or artistic output. The story then explores the long-term consequences of this fusion, as the character struggles to separate their art from the trauma that created it, often leading to a bittersweet or emotionally complex conclusion.

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These films share a focus on the intertwined nature of creativity and suffering. They present a heavy, often bleak, mood and explore themes of survival, exploitation, and the psychological baggage carried by artists whose work is rooted in profound pain.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Vox Lux

More About Vox Lux

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