Vox Lux Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A school shooting survivor becomes a pop star, deals with fame, and maybe made a deal with the devil for it, all narrated by Willem Dafoe for some reason.

🍿 Vox Lux: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Act 1: Genesis (1999-2001)

The film begins in 1999 with a school shooting in Staten Island where teenager Celeste Montgomery survives a neck wound. In the aftermath, Celeste and her sister Ellie write a song titled ‘Wrapped Up’ which becomes an anthem for the nation after Celeste performs it at a memorial service. The song catapults Celeste into the music industry, guided by her manager.

Celeste’s Rise to Fame

Celeste navigates her newfound fame with Ellie by her side. They travel to Stockholm to record their first album. As Celeste gains popularity, she deals with betrayals and the pressures of the industry. Her songs become radio hits, and her first music video, ‘Hologram (Smoke and Mirrors),’ is a huge success.

Act 2: Regenesis (2017)

The film jumps to 2017, where a terrorist shooting on a beach in Croatia is rumored to be connected to Celeste’s music due to the similar masks worn in her ‘Hologram’ video. Celeste, now 31, is preparing for the first night of her ‘Vox Lux’ concert tour. The event puts her under immense pressure, forcing her to confront her past and current demons.

Celeste’s Personal Struggles

Celeste’s erratic behavior, fueled by alcohol and drugs, surfaces when she takes her teenage daughter, Albertine, to lunch. It’s revealed that years prior, Celeste blinded herself in one eye and caused an accident while driving under the influence. Celeste’s tumultuous relationship with Ellie is further strained when Albertine’s recent sexual activity is revealed, leading to heated arguments and emotional breakdowns.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Celeste (Natalie Portman): A pop superstar grappling with fame, trauma, and personal demons after surviving a school shooting as a teenager.
• The Manager (Jude Law): Celeste’s manager, navigating her career and personal struggles with a mix of pragmatism and concern.
• Eleanor (Stacy Martin): Celeste’s sister, who serves as her songwriter and a grounding force amidst the chaos of fame.
• Young Celeste (Raffey Cassidy): The teenage version of Celeste, who experiences a school shooting and begins her journey to pop stardom.
• Albertine (Raffey Cassidy): Celeste’s teenage daughter, raised by Eleanor and dealing with her mother’s fame and instability.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Young Celeste: “That’s what I love about pop music. I don’t want people to have to think too hard. I just want them to feel good.” – Young Celeste expresses her understanding of pop music during her early rise to fame.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $11,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $727,119
• Worldwide Gross: $1,444,547

💥 Vox Lux Reviews

Personal Review

I was really intrigued by Vox Lux. The movie is definitely not easy to watch, dealing with tough subjects like trauma and fame’s dark side. Natalie Portman is incredible; I was completely drawn in by her performance as Celeste. It really captured the feeling of a pop star under immense pressure. The ending concert scene was both captivating and unsettling, leaving me with a lot to think about.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Natalie Portman”
  • “Viewers interested in films about fame and celebrity culture”
  • “Those who appreciate art-house and experimental cinema”
  • “Audiences who enjoy thought-provoking and unconventional stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “School shooting”
  • “Terrorism”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Alcohol abuse”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Violence”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Brady Corbet delivers a daring and thought-provoking, if sometimes messy, exploration of fame and trauma in the 21st century. Natalie Portman is mesmerizing, embodying the complexities of a pop icon shaped by tragedy and the media. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
• The Guardian: “Vox Lux is an ambitious but uneven film. Natalie Portman’s performance is electric, yet the film often struggles to balance its grand themes of celebrity, terrorism, and societal decay. The execution felt convoluted and at times pretentious.
• Variety: “Vox Lux is a bold, challenging film that explores the dark side of fame. Its unevenness can be forgiven due to Natalie Portman’s fierce portrayal of a pop star haunted by her past.

Audience Reactions

Natalie Portman’s raw and intense performance stole the show.: Many viewers praised Natalie Portman’s powerful acting, describing it as captivating and memorable.

The film’s unique style and dark themes sparked discussion and debate.: Viewers appreciated the film’s bold and unconventional approach, but opinions were divided on its execution.

Overall Consensus: Vox Lux is a divisive but compelling film with a standout performance from Natalie Portman, exploring the complex relationship between fame, trauma, and modern society. It provokes thought but may not appeal to all viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is divided into two acts, ‘Genesis’ and ‘Regenesis,’ mirroring the biblical themes explored in the narrative.”
• “The backstage dressing room where Celeste has a breakdown before her concert is the same location used in Black Swan (2010) where the main character, Nina, also played by Natalie Portman, has a break down.”
• “The film explores themes of trauma, fame, and the relationship between pop culture and violence in the 21st century.”

🖥️ How to Watch Vox Lux?

As of October 2024, Vox Lux is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability in your region. You can also find it on demand through cable providers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Vox Lux, you might like these similar films:

• Black Swan (2010): Both films star Natalie Portman in intense, transformative roles and explore the dark side of artistic ambition.
• A Star Is Born (2018): Both films deal with the rise of a music star and the personal struggles that come with fame, although ‘Vox Lux’ offers a much darker, more cynical take.
• The Wrestler (2008): This film shares themes of faded glory and a desperate attempt to recapture past success, with a raw and unflinching look at the protagonist’s personal struggles.

🛒 Vox Lux Related Products

• Vox Lux [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] [Limited Edition Vinyl]: A limited edition vinyl pressing of the original soundtrack, featuring Sia’s original songs and Scott Walker’s score. Perfect for collectors and fans of the film’s music.
• Natalie Portman Movie Poster Collection – 5 Prints: A set of movie posters featuring Natalie Portman’s most iconic roles, including Vox Lux. High-quality prints that capture the essence of her performances.
• Celeste Inspired Glitter Makeup Palette: A glitter makeup palette inspired by Celeste’s iconic look in Vox Lux. Perfect for recreating her bold and glamorous style.
• The Childhood of a Leader (DVD): The debut film of Brady Corbet. See what happened before Vox Lux.

🎧 Soundtrack

Vox Lux features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Wrapped Up” – performed by Sia
• “Hologram (Smoke and Mirrors)” – performed by Sia
• “Utopia” – performed by Sia
• “The Way We Were” – performed by Sia

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Natalie Portman’s Musical Influences for ‘Vox Lux’ Include Madonna & Tiffany

Ever wonder where Natalie Portman drew inspiration for her ‘Vox Lux’ character? She breaks it down in this interview, and you won’t believe which teen idols helped shape her performance – it’s actually pretty cool!

Quickie: Dogman, Vox Lux #TIFF18

Want a quick take on ‘Vox Lux’ before diving in? This review breaks down the good, the bad, and the weird in just a few minutes. I don’t always agree with this reviewer, but he raises some valid points!

✨ Rate