A former film star, Chiyoko Fujiwara, now elderly and reclusive, agrees to be interviewed by filmmaker Genya Tachibana, who has harbored a deep admiration for her since his youth. Along with his cameraman Kyoji Ida, Tachibana presents Chiyoko with a mysterious key, a memento from her past that sparks a reflection on her storied career and the intertwined pursuit of her personal and cinematic journeys. As Chiyoko recounts her tale, the interview transcends a typical retrospective and becomes an immersive, emotional experience for everyone involved.

Blurring the lines between memory, history, and fantasy, Chiyoko's narrative brings her filmography to life, with the key acting as a recurring motif symbolizing her lifelong quest. Her pursuit of a lost love intertwines with the various roles she played on screen, seamlessly transitioning from one role to the next, across different eras of Japanese history. The narrative follows her ascent to stardom and the impact of historical events that shape both her career and personal life. However, as her story unfolds, it becomes evident that the façade of celluloid dreams may become an obstacle in discerning the truths of her own existence.