A Woman in Flames

A Woman in Flames

Year: 1983

Runtime: 106 mins

Language: German

Director: Robert van Ackeren

Drama

Eva, an upper‑class housewife, leaves her arrogant husband and decides to become a call girl. She learns the basics from Yvonne, a prostitute, and they start taking clients together. Eva later begins an affair with Chris, who turns out to be a call boy, and moves into his penthouse, where each continues offering their services separately.

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Timeline – A Woman in Flames (1983)

Trace every key event in A Woman in Flames (1983) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Eva leaves her husband and starts a new life

Eva, an upper-class housewife, grows frustrated with her marriage and leaves her arrogant husband. She is drawn to the idea of becoming a call girl as a way to redefine her life. This decision marks a shift from domestic routine to a dangerous world of desire and power.

Opening Upper-class home
2

Learning the trade with Yvonne

With the help of Yvonne, a prostitute, Eva begins to learn the basics of client work. Yvonne mentors her through the early steps and they plan how to find clients together. This mentorship marks the practical start of Eva's transformation.

Early journey Yvonne's apartment
3

Hunting for clients in the city

They hit the city streets, looking for janes and johns to service. They discuss strategies and safety while building a routine. The search turns Eva's life into a daily enterprise rather than a fantasy.

Soon after training City streets
4

Eva meets a charming gigolo and falls in love

Eva encounters a charming man and goes to his house for a late-night tryst. She soon discovers that he is not just a client but a gigolo, complicating their relationship. The romance quickly settles into a shared arrangement that blends love with work.

Late night His house
5

Dual careers in a lavish penthouse

They move into his penthouse, which is spacious enough for both of them to offer their services separately. The living arrangement blends personal life with professional duties as they cultivate their client networks. The luxury setting underlines Eva's new power and independence.

Shortly after romance Penthouse
6

Eva discovers domination and becomes a dominatrix

Eva gradually enters the world of sado-masochism and domination, finding it deeply satisfying. She takes pride in controlling others and the pleasure of causing pain. The turning point comes in a scene where a man hides under a table, and she crushes his hands with her stiletto heels.

During early domination Upstairs room
7

Chris grows jealous and questions what's upstairs

Chris grows jealous and wants to know what is happening upstairs and how Eva earns so much money. He learns that her income comes from hurting men, which unsettles him. He also grows suspicious of a boyfriend or client of his who seems to get Eva's attention.

Mid-portion Penthouse
8

The upstairs scenes intensify; Chris witnesses Eva dominate

One day, Chris sneaks up to observe Eva dominating a man tied to a chair. He reads her confident satisfaction and realizes this is who she truly is. The moment solidifies the rift between them.

One day Upstairs room
9

Chris offers marriage; Eva reveals her dark dreams

Chris tries to whisk Eva away, buying her furs and talking about marriage. Eva resists his plan and reveals a troubling dream: she imagines hitting him, and in the dream he seems to like it. The relationship teeters on the edge as their visions diverge.

Late phase Penthouse
10

Crisis: money and a restaurant plan

Chris panics, takes all their money, and invests it in a restaurant that Eva refuses to join. The financial blow triggers a break in trust and a looming confrontation. The couple's bond deteriorates as greed and fear take over.

Crisis point Penthouse
11

Violent confrontation erupts

Eva attempts to walk away from Chris, but he attacks her, throws her against the wall, pours alcohol on her, and lights her on fire. She escapes unharmed, highlighting her resilience amid the violence of their power dynamic. The incident marks a violent turning point in their relationship.

Climax Home
12

Ending: Eva finds freedom with the madame

In the final scene, Eva remains unscathed and is happy with her friend—the sex worker or madame. They are shown being thrown out of Chris's bar, signaling a new start free from his control. The ending emphasizes Eva's continued independence and friendship in the sex-work world.

Ending Bar

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:49

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A Woman in Flames Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in A Woman in Flames

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