The curtain falls on a lively street carnival, where the captivating Vadinho (José Wilker) meets a tragic fate, slipping away amidst the pulsating rhythm of the music. In stark contrast to the surrounding celebration, only Flor (Sônia Braga) is engulfed in sorrow, her grief illuminating the lost joy of the moment. The death of Vadinho marks a significant turning point for Flor, liberating her from the burdens of despair that his carefree and irresponsible lifestyle had imposed upon her.
As the story unravels through a vivid flashback, we see that Vadinho was a fervent lover who held Flor's reputation dear. Yet, he had a knack for prolonging the moments of passion until she was compelled to plead for continuation. His physical absence from their marriage was keenly felt; he often squandered time in casinos and dubious establishments, leaving Flor to handle the aftermath of his neglect. Nevertheless, his larger-than-life presence managed to awaken a new side of her—one that reveled in sensuality and indulgence.
The latter part of Dona Flor explores Flor's life as she meets Teodoro (Mauro Mendonça), a man of class and dignity. His pursuit of Flor is defined by adherence to societal decorum, treating her with the utmost respect as he hails from Bahia’s upper class. Yet, unbeknownst to Flor's circle of friends, Teodoro possesses a distinct shortcoming compared to Vadinho—when it comes to intimacy, his skills fall woefully short of his predecessor's expertise. As Flor grapples with dissatisfaction in her new marriage, her heart longs for the fiery passion that defined her relationship with her late husband.
On the anniversary of Vadinho’s death, an unexpected apparition visits Flor, a spectacle both thrilling and disconcerting. The spirit of Vadinho, revealing his return is to "share her bed," is only visible to Flor, yet his presence influences her life more than she realizes. Despite her initial resistance, Flor finds herself irresistibly pulled back into the whirlwind of desire, as Vadinho’s playful spirit disrupts Teodoro’s attempts at romance. Ultimately, Flor embraces a unique bliss that allows for the coexistence of both spouses in her life.
The film culminates with Flor enveloped in the affection of her untraditional arrangement. A poignant moment unfolds as she tenderly kisses Teodoro on the cheek, only for the camera to reveal Vadinho's ghostly figure nestled at her side, receiving a similar gesture of love from her. In this extraordinary scene, Flor finally attains the contentment that eluded her for so long, her heart now freed to embrace both distinct, yet deeply fulfilling romances.
As dawn breaks over the vibrant city, the consequences of the celebrations are laid bare. The sun's rays highlight Flor's beaming face as she walks hand in hand with Teodoro and Vadinho, embodying a remarkable unity. Vadinho, unabashed in his nudity, commands the scene with effervescent confidence, striding through the throngs without a care for their intrigued glances. Meanwhile, Flor basks in the warmth of her newfound companionship, enveloped in the joys of connection and the simple pleasures life has to offer.
