The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EntertainmentFilmThe Latest

Film Review: ‘Vox Lux’

by Jake King December 12, 2018
by Jake King December 12, 2018 0 comments
2.7K

In a year full of music-themed films, this is quite possibly the most hypnotizing.

Writer/Director Brady Corbet’s Vox Lux tells the rather unusual story of a woman named Celeste Montgomery, and the story is split up into two sections, along with both a prelude and a finale. The prelude shows Celeste growing up as a child and attending school. One day, while in music class, a student comes in with a gun and shoots up the entire room, and although Celeste survives, a stray bullet hits her, resulting in spinal damage. This leads into the second act, titled “Genesis,” where, while recovering in the hospital, Celeste and her sister, Ellie, compose a song. When they perform it together at the televised vigil for the shooting victims, they capture the attention of the world and, under the guidance of their manager (Jude Law), are brought into the world of pop music. It doesn’t take long until Celeste begins her somewhat downward spiral into the psychologically damaging realm of the pop scene, including frequent partying and sleeping around with other musicians.

Eventually, the audience catches up with Celeste in the second half, titled “Regenesis,” in which she is a world-renown pop sensation, similar to Sia (who wrote some of the film’s songs).  She is estranged from her sister, and also has a distant relationship with her own daughter, whom she had with a musician when she was young. At the start of this act, a mass shooting occurs in Croatia, committed by people wearing masks in the likeness of Celeste. Now Celeste must battle her personal demons, the paparazzi, and the decision of whether or not to cancel a show happening on the day of the attack.

This is not a mainstream film. It has a haunting atmosphere, and some scenes are rather intense, specifically the opening sequence with the school shooting. Not one moment of this scene feels manufactured or predictable, and Corbet’s vision seems rather unconventional. Even the opening credits appear in an elongated scroll, similar to the credits in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. It is more than likely that the film and the events that occur in it might turn off many moviegoers, but I was fascinated.

As a whole, this film feels like an album cover one has to look closely at to see the detail and clues hidden within the artwork, only in this case, we are looking at the artist herself. To have a better understanding of the power of this film, one would have to look at the timeline of some events. The school shooting occurs in 1999, the same year the Columbine High School massacre occurred. In the second act, Celeste mentions that a plane crashed into a building, alluding to 9/11. While it might be in poor taste to have events like these included or depicted in film, it works well in this one, because it is a commentary on modern celebrity, and how tragedy and trauma can influence one. As a result of the combination of grief, both personal and public, Celeste morphed from an innocent child into a cold, and sometimes heartless, pop music machine that is struggling to navigate through her already demanding career.

What is commendable about Vox Lux is that it doesn’t spell out the story for the audience, which is interesting given the presence of an expository narrator, voiced by Willem Dafoe. His narration compensates for certain important elements of Celeste’s story that are unseen, and this could hurt the film. Surprisingly, though, it doesn’t, because it instead forces the audience to read the body language of Celeste, as well as the other characters, and see the effect of their respective trauma.

Natalie Portman is arguably one of the most distinguished actresses working today. In any role, she is instantly charming the minute that she appears on screen, and not even the likes of Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium or the Star Wars prequels can shake her easy charisma. Here, the audience gets to hear Portman professionally sing for the first time. Many of us already saw her rap songs on Saturday Night Live, and she has enough charisma to carry a number, and she does so here with gusto.

The one major flaw in these musical performances is the sound mixing; it feels unfinished, and the vocals are barely audible. This weakness, however, metaphorically suggests that Celeste’s inner voice still can’t be heard, as she is still lost in the image that continues to precede her.

Special praise should also be reserved for young Raffey Cassidy, who plays young Celeste. She handles her scenes splendidly, and her singing voice is commendable for an actress her age. It is also interesting that Cassidy also plays Celeste’s daughter, Albertine, as it gives the sense that Celeste, while trying to guide her own life through scandals and paparazzi, has to also make sure her daughter (who we learn also lost her virginity to a musician) doesn’t suffer her same fate, even though Celeste is not doing the best job at it.

While watching this film, I was struck by how much it reminded me of the most recent version of A Star is Born, starring Lady Gaga. While Gaga’s character, Ally did not have to go through the sort of tribulation that Celeste endured (save for maybe having to dance while dealing with physical pain), it does evoke the same soul-crushing nature of the pop-music industry. One can just feel Celeste’s humanity slipping away with every single controversy she deals with, and the music industry continuing to consume her. Well, if A Star Is Born is the Hollywood version of the pop star story, then Vox Lux is certainly the art house version.

Vox Lux will probably be a turn off for some filmgoers, but it is so raw and atmospheric, that it deserves recognition. Natalie Portman is in top form in her role as Celeste, and the rest of the cast lend great support to Brady Corbet’s unconventional vision. You will get some spectacle by the end of this film, no doubt, but be prepared to take a good look at the entertainer and see if you can still look at pop music with a smile on your face.

The film is now playing.


A Star is BornJude LawLady Gaganatalie portmanpopstarRaffey CassidySiasnlVox Lux
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Jake King

previous post
Film Review: ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’
next post
Lauren Jauregui Joins Amnesty International USA For Write for Rights Event

Related Posts

Bernadette Peters, Sutton Foster & Leslie Odom Jr....

October 22, 2025

James Callis, Shaul Metzstein & Nick Mohammed Talks...

October 21, 2025

AIF 2025 Festival Opens with Mamoru Hosoda’s Scarlet

October 21, 2025

Techno and Tragedy in Oliver Laxe’s Sirat

October 21, 2025

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez and Joel Kim Booster Talk...

October 20, 2025

NMIXX Explores All ‘Shapes of Love’ in Their...

October 20, 2025

LA Premiere: HBO’s The Chair Company 

October 19, 2025

A Toast to Ja Rule’s Amber &Opal Whiskey...

October 19, 2025

Building Hip Hop’s Forever Home: The Hip-Hop Museum’s...

October 17, 2025

Justin Bieber Leads SKYLRK to Victory at LA’s...

October 17, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company, where office life meets absurd comedy. 🪑 
Stream it now on @HBO. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/la-premiere-hbos-the-chair-company/

✍️: Katherine Wright
-
#TheChairCompany #HBO #HBOOriginal #HBOShow #BingeWorthy #MustWatch #StreamingNow
@justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The @justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The Leag, one of LA’s most talked-about underground sports events. With celebrities, athletes, and creators filling the sidelines, the night captured the energy of competition and culture colliding under the lights. 🏀

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/justin-bieber-leads-skylrk-to-victory-at-las-underground-sports-phenomenon-the-league/

✍️: Parris Rose

-
#JustinBieber #SKYLRK #TheLeag #LosAngeles #SportsCulture #Basketball #UndergroundSports
@nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about t @nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about their journey as six members, a long, inspiring adventure that’s led them to a major milestone: their first-ever full-length album, Blue Valentine. 💙

The project dives deep into the complexity of human emotions, wrapped in NMIXX’s signature MIXX-pop sound. 🎶

“The story of NMIXX is still unfolding.” 

Full Article 🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/nmixx-blue-valentine/

By @EmmaSalehi 

#NMIXX #BlueValentine #NMIXXBlueValentine #MIXXPOP #NMIXXComeback #KpopInterview #TheKnockturnal #Kpop #KpopNews #KpopGirlGroup #NMIXX_BlueValentine #HAEWON #LILY #BAE #JIWOO #KYUJIN #SULLYOON #엔믹스
Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of @beetlejuicebway? Now you can! From now until Halloween, @tempotimessquare hosting an unforgettable Beetlejuice Suite experience where every corner is bursting with spooky charm, strange surprises, and a whole lot of Netherworld flair. 💀✨ 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a little strange and unusual, this is your chance to step into the world of the ghost with the most. 👻 #BeetlejuiceBroadway #TempoTimesSquare #BeetlejuiceSuite
#ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when y #ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when you least expect it — and flinch when you do. 👀💥

Full review out now.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/park-chan-wooks-no-other-choice-is-dark-gripping-and-bitingly-funny/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala 

-
#NoOtherChoice #KoreanCinema #Cinephile #FilmReview #NewRelease #MustWatch
📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining 📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining boundaries with each track, image, and evolution. Dive into our exclusive to uncover the artistry behind the name. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/woodz/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#Woodz #Kpop #ArtistSpotlight #Editorial
EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to elect EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to electrifying new heights, bringing “I WANT IT” to life with unmatched energy, confidence, and flair. Every beat, every move, every note is a reminder that STAYC don’t just perform—they command the stage. 🌈💥

From their glowing visuals to powerhouse vocals, @stayc_highup deliver a night that’s equal parts spectacle and soul.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stayc/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#STAYC #StayTunedTour #IWANTIT #STAYCgirls #STAYChighup #Kpop #ConcertHighlights #ExclusiveFeature
Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new film, exploring its unique darkness. 🌟

#ParkChanWook #NoOtherChoice #TheAx #KoreanFilm #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook tea Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook teases his probable upcoming project Genocidal Organ! 

#ParkChanWook #GenocidalOrgan #NYFF #NYFF26
Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in his latest film @nootherchoicefilm. 🖤🎬

#LeeByungHun #NoOtherChoice #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun refl Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun reflects on 20 years of film, from South Korea to Hollywood! 

#LeeByungHun #Hollywood #KoreanCinema #Film #NoOtherChoice #NYFF26 #NYFF
Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what it means to move forward together in their latest comeback. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cix/

✍️: Emma Salehi

Photo Credits: C9 Entertainment 
-
#CIX #GOChapter1 #GOTogether #TheKnockturnal #KpopInterview #KpopNews #CIXComeback #CIX2025 #KpopFeature #CIXFans
It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North Ameri It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North America on their ‘Stay Tuned’ tour! 💖

Watch their energetic and fun filled show near you 👀🌟

#stayc #kpop #kpopconcert #iwantit #staycstaytuned #staytuned
Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷 We had the most a Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷

We had the most amazing day of inspiring panels, activations and networking at @femalefounderworld, with @eyebuydirect! 👓
Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
@nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as @nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as a director, bringing his story to life with precision, collaboration, and attention to every frame. 

The film reflects his dedication to emotion, storytelling, and cinematic craft. 🎥

-
#JoachimTrimmer #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Director #Filmmaking
We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the emotional process behind her latest film. ✨

-
#IngaIbsdotterLilleaas #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Cinema
Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ellefanning in conversation at this year’s @thenyff.

-
#ElleFanning #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #RedCarpet #Cinema
✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performa ✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performances, the 2025 #TeenVogueSummit brought together voices shaping fashion, culture, and activism today. 💬🎶

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/2025-teen-vogue-summit-recap-full-of-fun-fashion-and-connection/

✍️: Zipporah Pruitt

-
#TeenVogue #TeenVogueSummit2025 #TeenVogueEvents
#TeenVogueCommunity #TeenVogueStyle
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch