Movie Review by RCR Entertainment Reporter Fiona Zaring, Follow her on Twitter @FionaZaring

Vox Lux opens with a gritty school shooting and closes with Natalie Portman covered in glitter belting out pop anthems.

Confused?

I walked away from this movie certain of two things: It was brilliant, and I had no idea why. The actor’s performances were impressive across the board, and I was captivated for every second of the 110 minutes. Still, as the credits rolled, I sat thinking “wait, what was this movie about?”

What is clear, is that this story has a beginning, we don’t see the whole middle, and the film is over long before the story ends. But, you forsake the expectations of a classic movie plot, and instead lean into the unique pacing and style of the film, it’s much easier to process.

Director Brady Corbet delivers a pop icon’s ‘dark origin story’ and presents commentary on the dangers of fame and the loss of innocence in American society. Vox Lux is “about” Celeste (Natalie Portman/ Raffey Cassidy), told through specific chapters in her life narrated by Willem Dafoe.

It begins in 1999, when a then-14-year-old Celeste (Cassidy) survives a school massacre, though with a serious spinal injury. While she recuperates in the hospital, she forms an intense bond with Eleanor (Stacy Martin), her musically gifted older sister. There’s a genuine chemistry between Cassidy and Martin, and their moments in the hospital are truly touching. Eleanor harbors an intense guilt over having stayed home on that tragic day, and she promises to never leave her sister’s side again.

The pair work on a song together during Celeste’s recovery, which they later perform at a memorial service for their classmates. The beautiful, emotional ballad captures the attention of a talent manager, portrayed by Jude Law.

The narrator informs us that the song becomes a symbol for all of America to grieve the tragedy, a “hit,” and then the film jumps forward in time to find a wide-eyed Celeste being thrown into show business. Guided by her protective manager (Law) and with her sister by her side, Celeste takes her first steps towards becoming a teen pop star. In a montage, we see Celeste record an album, travel to Europe, and slowly begin to lose her innocence.

Back in America to film her first music video, she meets a young, grungy rockstar who solidifies her transition to the sex, drugs, and rock and roll lifestyle. In 2001, a serious shift in the sister’s relationship is paralleled by the events of 9/11, and this chapter ends.

Around the halfway mark, the film jumps ahead to 2017. That’s when we meet now-31-year-old Celeste, now played by Portman. The missing “middle” I mentioned earlier, is how Celeste transitioned from a curious teen pop star into a paranoid, egotistical, alcoholic pop icon. Portman’s portrayal of Celeste begins with the launch of a comeback tour, and finds her working on her relationship with her daughter Albertine (also played by Cassidy). We learn that Celeste’s career has been plagued by scandal and personal hardships, and she’s on the verge of a breakdown. Portman brilliantly portrays the broken diva and Law continues to steadily move the story forward, offering subtle surprises.

Unfortunately, Celeste’s comeback is interrupted by a terrorist attack in Europe. The terrorists appear to be wearing masks from one of her iconic music videos, and even though their motive is unclear, the press shifts focus from her tour to this event.

The evolution of Celeste is crystal clear from the way she handles the news, addresses the public, and lashes out at the people closest to her. The performances by Portman, Law, Martin, and Cassidy in this act are raw and emotional and their combined efforts make the audience uncomfortable, hopeful, empathetic and above all, anxious, to see how all these pieces come together.

But, the ending provides no clarity, no closure to Celeste’s story.

Instead, there’s a series of stunning stage performances of Portman belting out songs written for the film by real-life pop star Sia. The director (Corbet) leaves us with 110 fascinating minutes that peek behind the curtain of the music world, and nothing more. Still, anyone looking for a story that will make you feel, and will send you walking away with something to ponder, will enjoy this movie.

#VoxLux opens in NY, LA & SF on Friday. Everywhere December 14.

About Vox Lux
Celeste is a 13-year-old music prodigy who survives a horrific school shooting in Staten Island, N.Y., in 1999. Her talent shines through during the memorial service when she sings a song that touches the hearts of the mourners. Guided by her sister and a talent manager, the young phenom transforms into a rising pop star with a promising future. Eighteen years later, Celeste now finds herself on the comeback trail when a scandal, personal struggles and the pitfalls of fame threaten her career. https://www.voxluxmovie.com/

Release date: December 7, 2018 (USA)
Director: Brady Corbet
Distributed by: Neon
Screenplay: Brady Corbet
Starring: Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Raffey Cassidy, Christopher Abbott