The Nasty Girl

The Nasty Girl

Year: 1990

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: German

Director: Michael Verhoeven

ComedyDramaPolitics and human rightsRiveting political and presidential dramaPolitical drama patriotism and war

When a young woman investigates her town’s Nazi past, the community turns against her.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Nasty Girl (1990)

Trace every key event in The Nasty Girl (1990) 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

Sonja wins essay contest and travels to Paris

Sonja, a German high school student, wins an essay contest and embarks on a trip to Paris. Martin Wegmus begins teaching physics at Sonja's school, and one of her classmates falls in love with him. Almost by chance, Wegmus and Sonja share a kiss, and he promises to return for her.

Early in the story Sonja's town, Germany; Paris
2

Second contest entry on Nazi-era town

In the following year she enters the contest again, choosing 'My Town During the Third Reich' as her topic. Her research begins in earnest, pulling at a thread that will unravel the town's idealized image. She uncovers facets of the past that contradict the town's self-image.

Year 2 School and local archives, Sonja's town, Germany
3

Discovery of the town's Nazi past

Her research reveals that almost all prominent families in the town belonged to the Nazi Party long before it rose to power. This paints a picture of complicity that contradicts the town's idealized memory. The revelation sets the stage for further investigations.

During research Hometown
4

Authorities block her efforts

Local authorities block her efforts, hindering access to archives and records. She continues to press on despite official resistance, determined to uncover the truth.

During ongoing research Town hall / local government
5

Eight camps and Jewish expulsion uncovered

She uncovers that there were eight concentration camps in the area and that Jews were forcibly expelled and had their property confiscated. The scale of the town's complicity becomes clearer as she digs deeper. These findings deepen her resolve.

During investigation Region around town
6

Marriage to Martin Wegmus

Sonja marries Martin Wegmus, a decision that the townspeople interpret as her abandoning the historical investigation. The marriage introduces domestic pressures and expectations that complicate her pursuit. Despite this, she continues to pursue her research.

After marriage Town
7

Family life and studies

She bears two daughters and pursues studies in history at the university. Balancing family life with scholarly ambitions proves challenging, and her husband feels the strain as he cares for the children. The family endures the ongoing tension while she keeps digging into the past.

Post-marriage to early career Home and university
8

Resuming research and court victories

She resumes her historical research and wins court cases that grant access to archives, though she sometimes relies on cunning to obtain the needed documents. The legal successes mark a turning point in confronting the town's past.

Later years Archives, courts
9

Hostility escalates

The hostility of the townspeople grows from verbal abuse to threats and physical assaults as they attempt to silence her. Yet Sonja refuses to back down and continues her investigations despite the danger.

Escalation period Town streets and institutions
10

Bomb attack on the family

The family survives a bomb attack, a stark reminder of the peril surrounding her pursuit. The incident reinforces Sonja's resolve to bring the truth about the town's Nazi past to light.

During the threats period Family home
11

Tide turns and a public homage

Over time, the townspeople shift their stance and begin acknowledging the past. In a public gesture, they erect a bust of Sonja at the town hall.

Final phase Town hall
12

Sonja rejects the honor

Although the bust is erected, Sonja views it as a silencing gesture and rejects the honor. She remains dedicated to uncovering the truth on her own terms.

End of story Town hall

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:03

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