Retired cop James Lasombra is asked by a friend to investigate the disappearance of her daughter, who seemingly packed in the night and left an ominous message on the bathroom mirror - "The Empty Man Made Me Do It." As he investigates this mysterious figure further, James begins to see and hear strange things, and is forced to come to terms with his past and what it means for his future.

In 1971, rock star David Bowie travels to America for the first time to promote his third album, The Man Who Sold the World. There, he embarks on a coast-to-coast publicity tour. During this tour, Bowie creates his iconic Ziggy Stardust persona, inspired by artists like Iggy Pop and Lou Reed.