Vincent van Gogh, struggling with mental illness, has moved to the countryside of Auvers-sur-Oise under the care of Dr. Paul Gachet, who tries to help him cope with his illness. Vincent pours his emotions into his artwork, painting landscapes and portraits of those around him.
Vincent's brother Theo, who supports him financially, visits him with his wife Johanna and their baby. Vincent is overjoyed to see them and spends time playing with the baby. Theo marvels at Vincent's artwork and encourages him to keep painting.
Vincent becomes friends with Dr. Gachet's daughter, Marguerite, who is half his age. They spend time together, and Vincent confides in her about his struggles. Vincent also becomes close with Cathy, a Parisian prostitute whom he meets at a café. She shows him a softer side of life, and Vincent enjoys dancing with her at a local brothel.
Vincent's mental state worsens, and he becomes increasingly unstable. Shortly before his death, Vincent visits Paris and becomes frustrated with his lack of recognition as an artist. He quarrels with Theo, who has been trying to sell his paintings, and becomes despondent about his own art and accomplishments.
Vincent's behavior becomes erratic, and he is warm then cold toward Marguerite. He ultimately takes his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, leaving behind a legacy that has endured through the ages.
