After shooting an iconic moment in which Moreno kidnaps Irma Vep, René faces backlash over the scene’s sexual implications. Unwilling to waver, René cites attempted censorship of 1916’s The Vampires – and original Irma Vep’s courageous fight to keep her film alive. Meanwhile, Mira deals with complex emotions as she sinks deeper into her character.
Mira courts offers from both her agent and the production’s financier, who promises a lucrative – but morally compromising – advertising deal. When actress Cynthia Keng arrives on set, René experiences a crisis of faith – and turns to his star for advice. Later, Mira plays hard to get before receiving an unexpected visitor.
As René’s erratic behavior continues to threaten the production, Mira clashes with her agent, Zelda, about the future of her career – before assuming the role of Irma Vep for the first time. Meanwhile, costume designer Zoé deals with an unusual request from an actor as she attempts to connect with Mira.
When disillusioned A-list Hollywood actress Mira Harberg arrives in Paris to immerse herself in the coveted role of iconic villainous Irma Vep in a remake of Feuillade’s The Vampires, an encounter with her former lover Laurie reignites dormant passions. Meanwhile, the project’s acclaimed director Rene Vidal struggles as production woes threaten to derail his vision.