Vox Lux

In January 2000, a horrific event takes place at a Staten Island school when Cullen Active enters a classroom and begins firing. The attack starts with him targeting his teacher, Celeste Montgomery, who bravely approaches him to offer prayers, but she is shot in the neck amidst the chaos.

Following the shooting, Celeste struggles to recover from her serious injury. During her healing process, she and her older sister Ellie find comfort in music, collaborating on songs that encapsulate their emotions and help them cope with the trauma.

At a memorial service for the victims of the shooting, Celeste performs an emotional piece called 'Wrapped Up.' Co-written with Ellie, this performance captures the audience's heart and catapults Celeste into the limelight, marking the start of her musical career.

With newfound fame, Celeste attracts the attention of a manager who helps propel her music career. Over the next two years, she experiences the overwhelming pressures of stardom while remaining close with Ellie, as they share in each other's successes.

While enjoying their newfound success, Celeste and Ellie engage in reckless behavior, including one-night stands and strained relationships. A betrayal occurs when Ellie has an encounter with Celeste's manager, which exacerbates the tensions between the sisters.

Celeste's star power continues to grow, leading to the demand for her debut music video, 'Hologram (Smoke and Mirrors).' This visually impactful video enhances her public image and cements her presence in the music industry.

Fast forward to 2017, a terrorist shooting occurs on a Croatian beach, raising alarms about a potential connection to Celeste's music. The assailants' masks closely resemble those from her music video, igniting public concern over her influence.

As Celeste prepares for her concert tour opening night for her sixth album, 'Vox Lux,' her manager informs her about the critical situation stemming from the Croatian attack. The pressure mounts as she readies herself for a series of press interviews soon after.

Before her first press engagement, Celeste takes her teenage daughter Albertine out for lunch. However, her erratic actions create chaos, eventually leading to their dismissal by her manager, highlighting the challenges of balancing fame and motherhood.

Tensions peak when Celeste confronts Ellie about Albertine losing her virginity. Their relationship strains further due to Ellie being Albertine's primary caregiver, emphasizing the emotional weight Celeste carries as a mother and sister.

As the press interviews commence, Celeste finds herself in a downward spiral, triggered by an interviewer probing into her turbulent past. Her publicist decides to cancel the remaining interviews, urging her to take a moment to collect herself before the concert.

Ignoring the publicist's advice, Celeste engages in substance abuse before the concert. Her reckless behavior escalates during a heated discussion with her manager, illustrating the underlying chaos in her life amid her glamorous facade.

As the concert date approaches, Celeste faces a mental breakdown in the company of her entourage. Just in time, Ellie steps in to support her, showcasing their bond amid the chaotic world of fame and personal struggle.

The concert finally begins, and Celeste wows the audience with her performances alongside her band and dancers. This moment signifies the peak of her career, showcasing her talent while juxtaposing her internal struggles with celebrity life.

In a moment of introspection, Celeste confides in Ellie about making a deal with the devil to survive her traumatic past. The film closes on a contemplative note, with her manager, Albertine, and Ellie watching her performance, reflecting on the dichotomy of her success and personal battles.