Velvet Buzzsaw 2019

Mystery

Thriller

Horror

Runtime

113 min

Language

English

Directed by

Dan Gilroy

Made by

Netflix

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Velvet Buzzsaw (2019). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

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.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Velvet Buzzsaw (2019) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Morf's Art Critique

The story begins with Morf Vanderwalt, a renowned art critic with a powerful influence in the art world. He is known for his bold opinions, which shape trends and reputations among artists and galleries alike.

Miami Beach

Grand Exhibit Opening

Morf attends the grand opening of an art exhibit in vibrant Miami Beach. At this event, he mingles with notable figures in the art community, including gallery owner Rhonda Haze and established artist Piers, discussing the significance of various avant-garde pieces.

Art Gallery in Miami Beach

Discovery of Dease's Body

Local artist Josephina stumbles upon the lifeless body of her neighbor, the troubled artist Vetril Dease. This shocking discovery leads her to explore his studio, where she finds a mix of captivating artworks and destroyed pieces.

Vetril Dease's Studio

Unveiling Dease's Art

Intrigued by the artwork she uncovers, Josephina seeks to showcase Dease's paintings to gallery owner Rhonda. However, she remains oblivious to the dark legacy and troubled past that shrouds these pieces.

Gallery

Dease's Troubled Past

As the narrative unfolds, it is revealed that Vetril Dease’s life was marked by torment, leading him to a mental asylum. His experiences there shaped his profound yet disturbing art, which captivates those who see it.

Mental Asylum

Mysterious Deaths Begin

After the artwork is revealed, a series of strange and mysterious deaths afflict those connected to the paintings. This chilling turn of events raises questions about the true nature of Dease's art and the malevolence it may harbor.

Rhonda's Plan for Scarcity

In an attempt to increase the value of Dease's works, Rhonda orchestrates a plan to create artificial scarcity. This involves eliminating some of the paintings, pushing the boundaries of ethics in the pursuit of profit.

Gallery Office

Brutal Ends of Art Handlers

The grim consequences of Rhonda's decision become evident when the individual responsible for transporting the artworks meets a gruesome fate. This event foreshadows the escalating violence surrounding the paintings.

Collector's Tragic Fate

A hopeful art collector, eager to acquire one of Dease's paintings, faces a similarly brutal end. This event highlights the deadly obsession that surrounds Dease's artwork and the peril of coveting beauty that is cursed.

Morf's Realization

As Morf becomes increasingly aware of the dark essence imbued within the paintings, he recognizes that they are truly ‘Art to Die For.’ This revelation occurs too late, as he and Rhonda are already entwined in the sinister consequences.

Art's Revenge

The narrative escalates to a climax where the paintings exact a bloody revenge on those who sought to exploit them. Morf and Rhonda find themselves trapped in a web of their own making, paying a steep price for their greed.

An Alternative Fate

As the credits roll, viewers glimpse an alternative fate through the lens of an artist who escapes the art world's sinister grasp. He chooses to create art that resonates with his spirit, emphasizing originality over monetary gain.

Characters

Explore all characters from Velvet Buzzsaw (2019). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Morf Vandewalt (Jake Gyllenhaal)

Morf is a highly influential and opinionated art critic whose views can make or break artists' careers. He is charismatic yet deeply self-absorbed, often caught up in the superficial aspects of the art world. As the story progresses, Morf's character undergoes a transformation, confronting the true nature of art and its consequences.

🎨 Critique 💔 Vanity 🖌️ Influence

Rhodora Haze (Rene Russo)

Rhodora is a savvy gallery owner driven by ambition and the allure of high-value artworks. She exemplifies the transactional nature of the art world, often prioritizing profit over integrity. As events unfold, Rhodora becomes entangled in the tragic consequences of her decisions, highlighting the peril of unethical choices.

💼 Ambition 🎭 Manipulation 💔 Consequences

Josephina (Zawe Ashton)

Josephina is a local artist who unwittingly becomes involved in the dark legacy of Vetril Dease's paintings. Her initial excitement about showcasing the artworks shifts to horror as she realizes the dangers they bring. Josephina's character portrays the naivety of artists who yearn for recognition yet may be oblivious to the costs associated with success.

🎨 Aspiration 💔 Innocence 😨 Ignorance

Piers (John Malkovich)

Piers is an established artist whose acclaim places him among the elites of the art community. He is portrayed as both a mentor and a cautionary tale, representing the struggles artists face in maintaining originality in a commercialized world. Piers' character grapples with the impact of the dark legacy that the stolen paintings carry.

🎨 Legacy 💔 Struggle 🌪️ Turmoil

Setting

Learn where and when Velvet Buzzsaw (2019) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The film does not specify a particular historical time period, but it captures the contemporary art scene. The modern setting highlights current themes in the art world, particularly the obsession with commercial success and the darker aspects of artistic creation. It reflects recent societal trends regarding art and morality.

Location

Miami Beach

Miami Beach is a vibrant coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and bustling nightlife. It's also a hub for art and culture, hosting various art events, including the renowned Art Basel. The juxtaposition of scenic waterfronts and modern art galleries make it an appealing destination for artists and art enthusiasts alike.

🏖️ Miami 🎨 Art Scene

Themes

Discover the main themes in Velvet Buzzsaw (2019). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🎭

Art & Morality

The movie explores the complex relationship between art and the morality of its creators and consumers. It questions whether beauty can justify unethical behavior, particularly in the pursuit of profit. As the story unfolds, the consequences of exploiting art for monetary gain become apparent, leading to a chilling conclusion.

💀

Death

A recurring theme is the connection between art and mortality, with the stolen paintings bringing fatal consequences to those who exploit them. The narrative illustrates how the creation of art can stem from pain and suffering, ultimately leading to a cycle of violence. The story serves as a warning against commodifying creativity at the expense of human life.

🔍

Betrayal

Betrayal runs deep within the professional relationships among the characters, where trust is abused for personal gain. Morf's relationships with his peers are tested, particularly as greed overrides their genuine appreciation for art. This theme emphasizes the darker side of ambition and the lengths individuals may go to for success.

Velvet Buzzsaw Ending Explained

Unravel the ending of Velvet Buzzsaw (2019) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.

In the ending of Velvet Buzzsaw, the supernatural force linked to the disturbed artist Ventril Dease has claimed the lives of those who tried to exploit his work. Morf Vandewalt is attacked at his storage facility by a robotic sculpture possessed by Dease’s spirit, which kills him by snapping his neck. Meanwhile, Josephina is lured into a mysterious art gallery where the paint from Dease’s paintings magically covers her, transforming her into part of a mural—symbolizing her obsession with profit and her ultimately being consumed by the art she sought to control. Rhodora narrowly escapes death when her artistic greed is thwarted, but Dease’s spirit still finds a way to exact revenge by killing her through the magical Velvet Buzzsaw tattoo on her neck, reflecting the last remnants of her former artistic identity. The film reveals that Dease’s spirit is rooted in his traumatic past—his mother and sister dying in a fire, his abuse, and his years of isolation and experimentation—ultimately infused into his paintings through his own blood. This darkness allows his spirit to animate and control his art after death, making his paintings a conduit for his revenge. The final scene shows Coco fleeing the chaos, as Dease’s paintings end up in the hands of homeless vendors on the streets—meaning the murderous curse might still propagate. The film’s closing image is a peaceful yet ambiguous painting of a sunset with children, potentially hinting at Dease’s lost innocence or a reflection on childhood trauma. The credits feature Piers, a former artist, drawing sand circles on a beach—his release from the cursed art world and acceptance of art as fleeting and transient, leaving the story’s meaning open to interpretation. Ultimately, the film blends horror, satire, and commentary on greed and artistic obsession, with the supernatural serving as a dark mirror to the destructive nature of exploitation and obsession in the art world.

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