In a strikingly decorated Bremen apartment, where a notable reproduction of Poussin's Midas and Bacchus embellishes the walls, Petra von Kant (Margit Carstensen) meticulously directs her daily life as a fashion designer. Surrounded by life-size mannequins that reflect her creativity, the only living presence in this space is Marlene (Irm Hermann), her ever-efficient assistant, who aids her with a quiet grace.
Petra's life, however, is marred by grief and heartbreak. She has endured the tragic loss of both her husbands; her first love, Pierre, died in a car accident while she was pregnant, and her second marriage ended in revulsion, leaving her emotionally scarred and distrustful of intimacy. This has led her to view Marlene not as an ally but as a subordinate, revealing a sadistic edge to her character that is both compelling and deeply unsettling.
As morning breaks, Marlene gently nudges Petra from her slumber, prompting her to engage in her usual routine, which includes a call to her mother and a barrage of requests directed at Marlene. Prior to an unexpected visitation, Petra adorns herself with a brown wig, an act that hints at a shift in her mood.
The arrival of Sidonie (Katrin Schaake), her cousin, sparks a heartfelt conversation about Petra's difficult relationships with men. Meanwhile, Marlene deftly balances the needs of both women, maintaining a fragile peace. But the real intrigue begins when Karin Thimm (Hanna Schygulla), Sidonie’s beautiful friend returns to Germany from Sydney, and Petra is instantly captivated by the allure of this 23-year-old.
Eager to utilize Karin's charm for her fashion label, Petra proposes that she model for her, and much to her delight, Karin accepts. The very next day, Petra sports a more elaborate dark wig as she puts forth an offer to mentor Karin in modeling. The fact that Karin's husband remains in Australia creates a momentary blip in Petra's enthusiasm, yet she pushes forward, drawn to Karin’s magnetic presence.
As their relationship blossoms, the contrasts in their backgrounds become starkly apparent. Petra's upbringing in an affectionate household stands in sharp contrast to Karin's past, characterized by neglect and emotional voids, heightening their differences and ultimately their conflicts.
Despite initial reservations regarding Karin’s marital status, Petra finds herself embroiled in a passionate romance with the captivating young woman. However, as they share their lives together, the depth of their incompatibility becomes glaringly evident, forcing Petra to confront the harsh truths of her own desires and limitations.
When Karin divulges the tragic story of her parents' demise, Petra is unexpectedly moved, sensing an emotional bond forming. As they celebrate over a chilled bottle of Sekt, Petra vows to transform Karin into an extraordinary model, while Marlene resumes her typing duties in the background, her feelings well-concealed.
In a surprising turn, Petra suggests that Karin move in with her, signifying the deepening of their relationship. While Marlene continues to thrive in her role, Petra’s feelings for Karin intensify, contrasting with Karin's more guarded emotional landscape. Their dynamic becomes even more complex when Karin’s past comes to haunt their present.
As days pass, Petra's vibrant red wig replaces her more somber styles, and the tension escalates when Karin’s unexpected cruelty surfaces through her late-night escapades, including interactions with another man. Jealousy grips Petra when she learns about Karin’s correspondence with her husband, igniting a volatile confrontation that underscores the fraying edges of their affair.
During an inebriated birthday celebration, Petra’s emotional turmoil culminates when she lashes out at her daughter, Gaby, reflecting her own chaotic affections and torment over her feelings for Karin. The arrival of her mother, Valerie, ultimately unveils the dysfunctional nature of Petra's relationships, as she spirals into a dramatic confrontation over her affections for Karin and her disdain for her own family.
As the day turns to night, Petra lays in bed, her thoughts an amalgamation of regret and longing. With a newfound clarity, she acknowledges that her fixation on Karin is less about love and more about possession. When the phone rings, signaling Karin's call, Petra decides to prioritize self-reflection over immediate gratification.
In a poignant moment, she reaches out for forgiveness from Marlene, vowing to transform their dynamic into one founded on honesty and trust. Yet, as Marlene quietly gathers her belongings, including a pistol, she leaves, taking a doll that symbolizes Petra's past attempts at control. The door closes behind her, leaving Petra in the desolate space of self-realization and regret, forced to confront the emptiness of her emotional pursuits and the possibilities that lie ahead.
