Vox Lux ◆

The film is split into two distinct acts. is devastatingly raw. We meet teenage Celeste (Raffey Cassidy) as she survives a school shooting. At a memorial, she sings a haunting original song, and the world mistakes her trauma for talent. Suddenly, she’s not a victim; she’s a product. This first hour is gripping, uncomfortable, and features some of the best child acting in years.

★★½ (2.5/4) Recommended if you like: Requiem for a Dream, The Idol (but good), crying in the club. Vox Lux

Vox Lux is a fascinating failure for some, a visionary masterpiece for others. It asks: What if a trauma survivor became a monster, and we all bought tickets? It doesn’t offer answers, just a glittery, screaming void. See it for Raffey Cassidy’s dual performance (she also plays Celeste’s daughter in Act II) and Portman’s fearless commitment. Just don’t expect to feel good about pop music ever again. The film is split into two distinct acts