Born during the tumultuous closing of World War II, a young British boy named Tommy witnesses a traumatic event that leaves him 'deaf, dumb, and blind.' Unable to communicate with the world around him, Tommy's early years are fraught with challenges and misunderstandings. He faces a series of abuses and neglect from those close to him, including sadistic relatives and a self-absorbed mother. Despite his disabilities, Tommy finds solace in the reflection of a mirror and develops an exceptional pinball playing ability, which becomes a profound escape from his silent and dark reality.

Tommy's uncanny talent for pinball propels him from obscurity to superstardom, drawing attention and awe from the public. His mother, seeking to cure his ailments, subjects him to various medical treatments and experimental methods, hoping for a breakthrough. As Tommy becomes a messianic figure for the masses, through pinball, he garners an almost cult-like following. This newfound attention and adoration serve as a backdrop for the unfolding of deeper themes of faith, fame, and exploitation, as those around him seek to manipulate his gifts for their gain.