In the glamorous world of New York theater, Margo Channing is a highly acclaimed but aging Broadway star. One night, a young and seemingly devoted fan named Eve Harrington ingratiates herself into Margo's life, appearing humble and starstruck. Eve quickly becomes Margo's personal assistant, and her adoration for the star is evident to all who meet her. Margo's close-knit circle, including director Bill Sampson, playwright Lloyd Richards, and loyal friend Karen Richards, welcome Eve with open arms. However, some, like Margo's sharp-tongued friend, theater critic Addison DeWitt, become suspicious of Eve's true intentions.

As Eve becomes more entrenched in their lives, her true motives begin to surface, revealing a ruthless ambition to usurp Margo's place in the spotlight. Manipulating those around her, Eve cleverly navigates the theater world, aiming for her own stardom while steadily undermining Margo. The tensions escalate as Margo becomes increasingly aware of Eve's machinations, leading to conflicts that threaten both professional and personal relationships. The unfolding drama highlights themes of ambition, envy, and the often harsh nature of show business, culminating in a series of unexpected revelations and confrontations.