The film stars Angelina Jolie as Gia and Faye Dunaway as Wilhelmina Cooper, with Mercedes Ruehl and Elizabeth Mitchell.

Gia Carangi is a Philadelphia native who moves to New York City to become a fashion model and immediately catches the attention of the powerful agent Wilhelmina Cooper.

Gia's attitude and beauty help her rise quickly to the forefront of the modeling industry.

However, her persistent loneliness, especially after the death of Wilhelmina, drives her to use mood-altering drugs such as cocaine and heroin.

Failed attempts at reconciliation with Linda and with her mother, Kathleen, drive Gia back to heroin.