In the 1930s, a teenage tomboy named Daisy Clover dreams of becoming a Hollywood star. She lives in a ramshackle trailer park with her mentally ill mother. When Daisy sends a record of her singing to film studio magnate Raymond Swan, he is impressed by her raw talent and offers her a screen test. Daisy takes the opportunity, and Swan transforms her into a glamorous movie star. Her rise to fame is meteoric, but the pressures of the industry begin to weigh heavily on her.

As she navigates the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Daisy enters into a tumultuous relationship with actor Wade Lewis while dealing with the controlling influence of Swan. Despite achieving success, Daisy finds herself increasingly disillusioned by the superficiality and exploitation inherent in the film industry. The relentless drive to maintain her image starts taking a toll on her mental well-being, culminating in moments of intense personal struggle.