The story unfolds during World War II in the imaginary Belgian town of Marwen. It begins with Captain Hogie (portrayed by Steve Carell) soaring through the air while attempting to fend off German forces. Unfortunately, his plane gets shot down, leading to a crash landing that leaves his feet on fire and his shoes ruined. Amidst the chaos, Hogie stumbles upon a briefcase packed with women's clothing and becomes particularly fond of a pair of high heels, which he decides to wear. However, his choice draws ridicule from a group of Nazis. In a moment of defiance, Hogie delivers a swift kick to a Nazi captain’s groin before being overwhelmed by the others, facing a brutal assault. Just as things appear bleak, a group of armed women arrives, taking out the Nazis one by one. Among these women is Wendy (played by Stefanie Von Pfetten), who catches Hogie's interest.
In real life, the film centers on Mark Hogancamp, the creator and inspiration for Hogie, who is trying to capture the essence of his surroundings with a camera. Unfortunately, he is interrupted by a passing truck that disrupts his shot. As Mark works on his diorama, he carefully places the Wendy doll next to other Nazis he has labeled as "dead." He then unveils a doll modeled after a Belgian witch named Deja Thoris (portrayed by Diane Kruger), which symbolizes Mark's struggles with addiction.
Mark, who lives a solitary life plagued by PTSD following a brutal homophobic attack by a gang of neo-Nazis, has a supportive Russian caretaker, Anna (played by Gwendolyn Christie), visit him monthly. She acknowledges the world of Marwen and recognizes that one of the dolls is based on her. As Mark riffling through his scrapbooks, he reflects on his past, revealing memories of his former wife, Wendy, and the trauma he endured.
Back in Marwen, Hogie meets Elsa, a vibrant French milkmaid (played by Siobhan Williams). He invites her back to the local bar, where he reunites with a fierce group of women, including Anna, Julie (played by Janelle Monae), Carlala (portrayed by Eiza Gonzalez), Roberta (played by Merritt Wever), and Suzette (portrayed by Leslie Zemeckis). Elsa attempts to show her gratitude with a kiss, but tragedy strikes when she is fatally shot by a Nazi sniper. Despite Hogie’s efforts to save her, he can only watch in despair as Deja uses her dark magic to erase Elsa from existence, complicating the situation further.
Amidst the turmoil, Mark receives a call from his lawyer, emphasizing the importance of attending the trial for his attackers later that week, which fills him with dread. Feeling compelled yet terrified, he visits the same bar where his life was irrevocably changed and seeks information about Wendy, who used to work there. Conversations reveal that she moved away after finding him post-attack.
As Mark's journey progresses, he visits a doll store where Roberta (played by Merritt Wever) offers him companionship and evokes memories of a normal life. However, a limited edition Nazi doll triggers Mark's anxiety, leading to an unintended panic attack when a news report regarding his assault plays on the television.
Mark eventually integrates Nicol (portrayed by Leslie Mann), the new neighbor, into Marwen, modeling a doll in her image. Their relationship blossoms in both reality and the fantasy of Marwen, mirroring one another as they embark on adventures together, including one where they face the Nazis head-on.
As the film escalates, Mark's struggles intensify, culminating in him considering suicide. This spirals into the world of Marwen where Nicol meets a perilous fate. However, as the narrative unfolds, Mark gathers the courage to confront his past and his tormentors in the courthouse, where he delivers a powerful statement about reclaiming his life through art and friendship, bringing some of his attackers to tears.
Towards the end, Mark's courage leads him to showcase his work in a photography exhibit, now reflecting his beloved Nicol, symbolically renamed Marwencol in her honor. This culminates in a moment of connection as Nicol admires his work, and Mark finally enjoys a peaceful stroll home with his dolls, confidently dressed in high heels—a testament to his journey of healing.
The closing scenes inform us that Mark Hogancamp continues to thrive in upstate New York, relentlessly expanding the magical world of Marwencol, reminding us of the resilience of art in overcoming personal battles.
