Ian Curtis is a young, introspective musician growing up in Macclesfield, England. He marries his high school sweetheart, Deborah, and takes a job at an employment agency while aspiring to make it in music. Ian's life takes a turn when he becomes the lead singer of the band Joy Division. With his poetic lyrics and haunting stage presence, the band begins to gain popularity, propelling them into the burgeoning post-punk music scene of the late 1970s. However, with the increasing demands of his career, Ian struggles to balance the pressures of his rising fame, marital responsibilities, and his worsening health condition, epilepsy. The strain begins to take a toll on his mental and emotional well-being, creating tension at home and within the band.

As Joy Division's success escalates, Ian finds himself torn between his commitments and desires. His relationship with Deborah becomes strained, leading to personal conflicts and emotional distance. This inner turmoil is exacerbated by the effects of his medical condition and the strict regimen of medication he must adhere to. Ian's struggle to cope with the relentless pace of his career and personal responsibilities leads him down a path of increasing alienation and suffering. His troubled state of mind reflects in his music, leading to powerful yet haunting performances that captivate his audience but also foreshadow his inner turmoil.