Death and the Maiden

Paulina is introduced as a devoted housewife living in an unnamed South American country, implicitly identified as Chile. She lives a seemingly peaceful life with her husband, Gerardo, a respected lawyer, but hidden traumas linger from her past.

A sudden storm forces Gerardo to share a ride with the enigmatic Dr. Miranda on their way home. This unexpected encounter takes place just before a power outage strikes their residence, adding tension to the scenario.

As they await the power to return, Paulina becomes convinced that Dr. Miranda is connected to the old regime that brutally abused her. Memories flood back, revealing her belief that he was involved in her past torture and sexual assault.

Driven by her belief in Miranda's guilt, Paulina takes him hostage, determined to expose his past. This act of defiance sets the stage for the intense conflict that follows between the three characters.

Despite Gerardo's insistence on Miranda's innocence, Paulina conducts a makeshift trial, forcing Gerardo to act as Miranda's attorney. The atmosphere is charged with tension as all three grapple with their roles amid rising emotions.

In a twisted attempt to quell Paulina's accusations, Miranda and Gerardo conspire to fabricate a confession. However, when Paulina confronts the fake admission, she is enraged, believing it falls short and shows Miranda's lack of remorse.

During a critical moment, Miranda seizes Paulina's gun, attempting to turn the situation to his advantage. This dramatic struggle highlights the volatility of their confrontation as he threatens her life.

Just when it seems Miranda may escape, the power returns, allowing Paulina to regain control of the situation. This twist fortifies her position and undermines Miranda's previously attempted escape.

In a desperate bid to prove his innocence, Miranda instructs Gerardo to contact a Spanish medical school for a possible alibi. This moment introduces a crucial shift in the narrative as hope for clarity emerges.

When Gerardo receives a call that seems to confirm Miranda's alibi, he rushes back to Paulina, now certain of Miranda’s innocence. The twist leaves Paulina adamant in her belief, highlighting the deep conflict between them.

Despite the contradictory evidence, Paulina refuses to accept Miranda's innocence, insisting on the complicity of medical personnel from the old regime. Her unwavering stance demonstrates the emotional toll of her trauma.

In a climactic turn, Miranda confesses not only to being the doctor but revels in the pain he inflicted on Paulina. This shocking admission crystallizes the dark legacy of the past that continues to haunt all of them.

Faced with Miranda's horrific admission, Gerardo wrestles with the idea of taking Miranda's life. This conflict reflects the moral complexities surrounding justice and revenge in the wake of trauma.

Paulina accepts Miranda's confession, leading her and Gerardo to abandon him at the precipice of a cliff. This act symbolizes their attempt to move forward while leaving unresolved pain behind.

The film concludes as Paulina and Gerardo attend a concert, mirroring a previous scene. Their uncomfortable reunion with Miranda, who is with his family, underscores the lingering scars of their shared past.