Director Gerard Corbiau explores the frustrations, painful insecurities and triumphs of Carlo Broschi the legendary 18th century castrato singer. Who at age seven had surgery to become a castrato to preserve his sweet voice. He went on to become one of the most celebrated opera singers of the 18th century, taking on the name Farinelli. As his fame grows, tension builds with his less talented brother Riccardo, and seeks self-imposed exile with Alexandra, a girl who steals a work by Handel (Jerome Krabbe) to show her love for Farinelli. A lush, award-winning film of lavish Baroque opera houses, obsessions and rivalries.