The film opens in 1977, following the young and handsome Scott Thorson, an animal trainer for films, who is introduced to the legendary, flamboyant pianist Liberace through his friend Bob Black, a Hollywood producer. Despite Liberace's ostentatious public persona decked in extravagant costumes and a larger-than-life presence, he leads a private life shrouded in secrecy. Thorson is quickly taken under Liberace's wing and becomes his personal assistant, then evolves into something more intimate. Their relationship deepens, developing into a romantic partnership that is hidden from the public eye due to the conservative societal attitudes of the time.

As time passes, their relationship begins to strain under the glitter of their luxurious lifestyle. Liberace’s possessive nature and the pressure to maintain his youthful appearance lead Thorson down a path of plastic surgery and prescription drug dependency. The bonds of their partnership are tested by the disparities in their age, wealth, and desires for the future. The dynamics of power and vulnerability oscillate between them, showcasing the complexity of their connection. Both men's journey through the heights of passion and the depths of jealousy, painting a poignant picture of a romance trying to survive in the shadows of fame.