Velvet Buzzsaw 2019

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.