Phantom

Lorenz Lubota, a clerk and aspiring poet, is hit by Veronika's carriage on the road. He is knocked to the ground but not physically harmed. From that moment, Veronika consumes his thoughts and marks the beginning of an all-consuming fixation.

The image of Veronika dominates Lorenz, shaping his behavior and distorting his perception of reality. He fixates on her as a dreamlike ideal, ignoring his daily responsibilities.

Missed work and a confrontation with his boss reveal how his obsession derails his professional life. Lorenz's credibility suffers as he fixates on Veronika instead of duties.

Seeking a publishing break, Lorenz asks Aunt Schwabe, a sharp pawnbroker, for money to buy a new suit. Schwabe weighs the loan against his chances and considers the precarious path of his ambitions.

Wigottschinski's encouragement leads Lorenz to reconnect with his sister, who becomes Wigottschinski's girlfriend. The family circle becomes entangled in the financial scheme and shifting loyalties.

Unable to reach Veronika, Lorenz begins courting a golddigger who resembles her, showering the woman with expensive gifts. He clings to the Veronika memory while pursuing a surrogate relationship.

Lorenz's obsession and financial strain weigh on his mother, whose health deteriorates due to anxiety about her son and daughter's actions. The household atmosphere grows tenser as the situation spirals.

Lorenz's friend Marie and her father learn that his poems will not be published after all. The disappointment deepens his isolation from the community and amplifies his sense of failure.

Wigottschinski swindles more money from Schwabe and provides Lorenz with a sizable loan. Schwabe becomes suspicious and demands repayment within three days, threatening police if he can't pay.

Desperate to repay Schwabe, Lorenz agrees to Wigottschinski's plan to break into Schwabe's house after she has gone to sleep. Schwabe wakes during the heist, and a struggle ensues; Wigottschinski kills Schwabe, while Melanie runs off and eventually disappears.

Melanie flees into the night and disappears, leaving the family fractured. Lorenz is arrested and sent to prison for the crime, ending the flashback portion of the story.

After his release, the film returns to the present, where Lorenz finishes writing his life story to purge the phantom woman's memories from his mind. He begins a new life with Marie, signaling a possible fresh start.