Set in 1870s Paris, the story unfolds at the grand Paris Opera House, where a masked, mysterious figure known as the Phantom secretly resides beneath the opera house. He manipulates the theater’s operations, ensuring that Christine, a talented but unknown soprano, rises to stardom. Under his tutelage, Christine flourishes, believing him to be the “Angel of Music” her deceased father promised to send. However, when her childhood friend and new patron of the opera, Raoul, rekindles their romance, the Phantom becomes jealous and dangerous.

As Christine falls in love with Raoul, the Phantom’s obsession turns into a vengeful rage. He disrupts performances, terrorizes the opera staff, and ultimately abducts Christine to his underground lair. Christine, torn between fear and sympathy for the Phantom, is forced to make a heartbreaking choice when he threatens Raoul’s life. In a climactic moment of compassion, Christine kisses the Phantom, showing him the love he never received. Overcome with emotion, the Phantom releases Christine and vanishes into the shadows, leaving behind only his iconic white mask.

The film is visually stunning, with opulent sets, elaborate costumes, and a haunting score by Andrew Lloyd Webber. While it received mixed critical reviews, it gained a strong fan following, praised for its music, Rossum’s performance, and its gothic romance. The Phantom of the Opera (2004) remains a beloved adaptation of the classic tale of love, obsession, and tragedy.