Directed by
David Cronenberg
Made by
Focus World
Discover the intricate plot of Maps to the Stars (2015). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Agatha Weiss makes her way to Los Angeles, enlisting the help of Jerome—a limousine driver—to take her to the location of her childhood home, once belonging to the former child star Benjie Weiss. Agatha bears profound scars on her face and body due to a past tragedy, necessitating a heavy regimen of medication. Meanwhile, Benjie, in a compassionate gesture, visits a young girl in the hospital battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma, only to be haunted by her spirit after she sadly passes away. His father, Dr. Stafford Weiss, a television psychologist, treats Havana Segrand, an aging actress navigating her trauma linked to her deceased mother, who was also in the film industry.
Havana’s agent struggles to secure her a role in a remake of her mother’s iconic film, Stolen Waters, while Havana contends with frequent hallucinations of her younger self. As Benjie negotiates a comeback role post-rehabilitation alongside his mother, Cristina, the narrative intertwines when Carrie Fisher urges Havana to hire Agatha as her personal assistant, having met her through Twitter. The budding romance between Agatha and Jerome complicates further, as Agatha is Benjie’s sister, returning to a family that has ostracized her.
Utilizing her connection to Havana’s project to infiltrate the film’s production lot, Agatha makes a bold move to visit Benjie on his set. There, she reveals the dark truth about her past—that she unintentionally caused the fire which once nearly claimed his life. Stafford, upon discovering Agatha’s return, confronts her with financial coercion, demanding she leave L.A. to avoid jeopardizing everything.
Struggling with his sobriety, Benjie succumbs to the allure of GHB, which leads to a tragic incident where he accidentally injures a dog belonging to his friend. Agatha, seeking answers, confronts Cristina and learns about their shocking familial connection—an incestuous bond that casts a shadow over their lives. In a fit of rage, Stafford attacks Agatha when she reveals her knowledge of their family history, showcasing the deep-seated dysfunction within their home.
Meanwhile, Benjie is plagued by hallucinations, culminating in a disturbing on-set encounter with a young co-star. In a moment of uncontrollable anger, he nearly strangles her, placing his career in jeopardy. Amidst the chaos, Havana entices Jerome in her lavish car, much to Agatha’s distress, leading to an explosive confrontation where Agatha, overwhelmed with rage, kills Havana in a moment of frenzy.
In the wake of these tumultuous events, a desperate Benjie seeks out Agatha. They share a heavy moment, with Agatha revealing their mother’s wedding ring and urging him to retrieve their father’s. The tragedy culminates when Stafford witnesses Cristina engulfed in flames, leading to a horrifying act where he pushes her into the pool to end her suffering. In the aftermath, Benjie finds his father in a state of shock and, during a final reunion, he and Agatha crudely replicate a wedding ceremony using their parents’ rings.
In a tragic decision, the siblings consume a dangerous amount of Agatha’s medication in an act of mutual despair, lying together under the vast sky, inviting the finality they believe ends their suffering together.
Track the key events of Maps to the Stars (2015) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Agatha Learns of Her Past
Agatha Weiss travels to Los Angeles to confront her painful childhood memories. She hopes to revisit the home once belonging to her brother, Benjie Weiss, who was a child star.
Jerome Enters the Picture
Agatha enlists the help of Jerome, a limousine driver, to take her to her childhood home. Their unexpected companionship begins a journey filled with emotional complexities, especially due to Agatha's scars from a past tragedy.
Benjie's Compassionate Act
Benjie Weiss visits a young girl in the hospital suffering from non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This encounter, however, becomes haunting as he is left with the ghost of the girl after she tragically passes away.
Havana Faces Her Demons
Havana Segrand, an aging actress, struggles with her trauma linked to her mother, a star in the film industry. Simultaneously, her agent races against time to secure her a role in a remake of her mother's classic film, *Stolen Waters*.
Agatha's Connection to Hollywood
Through her connection with Carrie Fisher, Havana is encouraged to hire Agatha as her personal assistant. This marks a significant turn in Agatha's life as she begins to weave herself into the complex tapestry of Hollywood.
Family Secrets Revealed
During her visit to the film set, Agatha reveals to Benjie the dark truth of her past — that she unintentionally caused a fire that endangered his life. This revelation acts as a catalyst for further turmoil within the family.
Stafford's Confrontation
Dr. Stafford Weiss confronts Agatha upon learning of her return to L.A. He employs financial coercion to compel her to leave, highlighting the dysfunctional and toxic dynamics of their family.
Benjie's Struggles with Sobriety
Struggling with sobriety, Benjie succumbs to the temptation of GHB, leading to a tragic incident where he accidentally injures a dog. This event further deteriorates his already fragile mental state.
Agatha's Shocking Discovery
In her quest for understanding, Agatha confronts their mother Cristina to learn about their family's shocking history. This dark revelation casts an ominous shadow over Agatha and Benjie’s relationship.
Havana's Fatal Confrontation
In a fit of rage, Agatha confronts Havana, who has enticed Jerome with her charm. The confrontation escalates, resulting in Agatha killing Havana in a moment of uncontained fury, drastically altering the course of their lives.
Sibling Reunion
Amidst the chaos following Havana's death, Benjie seeks out Agatha. They share a poignant moment where Agatha shows him their mother's wedding ring, symbolizing a longing for connection in their broken family.
Cristina's Tragic End
Stafford witnesses an unimaginable sight as Cristina is engulfed in flames. In a desperate act to end her suffering, he pushes her into the pool, a moment that leaves him forever altered.
Final Sibling Ceremony
In a symbolic gesture of their shared despair, Benjie and Agatha crudely replicate a wedding ceremony using their parents' rings. This act is a reflection of their turbulent bond and shared history.
Mutual Despair
In the final act of grief and hopelessness, Benjie and Agatha consume a dangerous amount of Agatha’s medication. This tragic culmination represents their desire to escape their suffering together, lying under the vast sky.
Meet the characters that bring Maps to the Stars (2015) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Agatha Weiss
Agatha Weiss is a complex character marked by her traumatic past and physical scars. Her return to Los Angeles is driven by a need for connection, yet she faces rejection from her family. As the story unfolds, her struggles for acceptance and identity reveal her resilience, but also lead her towards dark decisions as she navigates her troubled family history.
Benjie Weiss
Benjie Weiss is a former child star grappling with the challenges of adolescence and addiction. While he attempts to revive his career post-rehabilitation, his journey is turbulent, marked by hallucinations and violent outbursts. His interactions with Agatha reveal a deep familial bond, yet also a shared burden of their family's dysfunction.
Havana Segrand
Havana Segrand is an aging actress struggling to reclaim her former glory while grappling with the traumas of her past, particularly her relationship with her mother. Her character embodies the pressures of Hollywood and the toll it takes on individuals. She often finds herself lost in hallucinations, struggling to cope with the fading of her star power.
Dr. Stafford Weiss
Dr. Stafford Weiss is a television psychologist who embodies the contradictions of being a professional in mental health while failing to address his own family's turmoil. His authoritarian demeanor conceals his insecurities, and his confrontations with Agatha reveal the flaws within his own parenting. Stafford's character is central to the themes of manipulation and control.
Uncover the settings of Maps to the Stars (2015), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film captures contemporary issues facing individuals in the entertainment industry. It explores themes of trauma, addiction, and the complexities of familial relationships in a modern setting, reflecting societal attitudes toward fame and mental health.
Location
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is known as the entertainment capital of the world, renowned for its film and television industry. The city is a melting pot of diverse cultures and influences, attracting aspiring artists and celebrities. It plays a crucial role in the narrative of many stories intertwined with fame, family drama, and personal struggles.
Explore the core themes of Maps to the Stars (2015). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Dysfunction
Dysfunction permeates the relationships portrayed within the film, highlighting the impact of trauma on family dynamics. The characters' struggles with mental health and substance abuse reveal deep-seated issues stemming from their upbringing and personal experiences. This theme is evident in the volatile interactions and tragic outcomes that unfold as a result.
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Tragedy
The film is steeped in tragedy, examining the devastating consequences of personal choices and familial bonds. Each character’s journey is marked by loss, betrayal, and emotional scars that shape their actions. The tragic endings serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and relationships within a high-pressure environment.
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