The Dark Side of Beauty is a journey through the dark recesses of a young girl's mind as she struggles to recover missing childhood memories, dealing primarily with the loss of her virginity. Abandoned by her father, she bears the brunt of her mother's psychological and physical abuse in a state of increasing despair. When her mother's boyfriend molests her, she attempts--unsuccessfully--to take her own life. In a desperate effort to save herself from being raped, she runs away from home. Arriving in L.A., Victoria is saved from living on the street by the charity of a stranger, Joan Van Dersham. Showered with clothing and gifts, Victoria is seduced by this charming and lovely young woman. But things are not as they seem. With access to a wide variety of drugs, Victoria becomes the newest and brightest star in her benefactor's thriving pornography empire. Riddled with guilt, Victoria finds redemption in the arms of her co-star, Ryan, and they become more than on-screen lovers--much more. As they plan their new life together, Joan intercedes, causing events to spin horribly out of control.