When disillusioned A-list Hollywood actress Mira Harberg arrives in Paris to immerse herself in the coveted role of iconic villainous Irma Vep in a remake of Feuillade’s The Vampires, an encounter with her former lover Laurie reignites dormant passions. The project’s acclaimed director René Vidal struggles as production woes threaten to derail his vision.
As René’s erratic behavior continues to threaten the production, Mira clashes with her agent, Zelda, about the future of her career – before assuming the role of Irma Vep for the first time. Costume designer Zoé deals with an unusual request from an actor as she attempts to connect with Mira.
A surprising heart-to-heart with her ill-mannered co-star Gottfried causes Mira to revisit her past, while René is haunted by his relationship with his ex-wife – who played the role of Irma Vep in his 1996 film. A breakthrough with Edmond leads to another on-set catastrophe.
Mira courts offers from both her agent and the production’s financier, who promises a lucrative – but morally compromising – advertising deal. When actress Cynthia Keng arrives on set, René experiences a crisis of faith – and turns to his star for advice. Later, Mira plays hard to get before receiving an unexpected visitor.
After shooting an iconic moment in which Moreno kidnaps Irma Vep, René faces backlash over the scene’s sexual implications. Unwilling to waver, René cites attempted censorship of 1916’s The Vampires – and original Irma Vep’s courageous fight to keep her film alive. Mira deals with complex emotions as she sinks deeper into her character.
After an epic blow-up on set, the fate of René’s series is put in jeopardy. René gets a visit from a ghost as the production team considers taking The Vampires in a new direction that would reunite Mira with a figure from her past. Mira grows more entwined with her role as Irma Vep.
Mira uses her newfound powers as Irma Vep to probe deeper into the lives of those around her. Regina shares news that threatens to upend her relationship with Mira. Mira experiences a spiritual breakthrough after a visit with René.
In her final days shooting The Vampires, Mira grapples with her experience playing Irma Vep coming to a close. Regina looks toward her next chapter as a filmmaker. Mira channels the spirit of Irma Vep to pursue a career-defining opportunity.
