In 1920s Berlin, an atmosphere of despair and hopelessness looms over the inhabitants of a forgotten street, where misery and poverty are the order of the day. The story follows two women, a young idealist named Marie and a prostitute named Kathi, whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways. As the outside world crumbles, the stress and oppression of their environment become increasingly evident, pushing both to make drastic decisions.
Marie, with her dreams of a better future, finds herself trapped in a cycle of setbacks and disillusionment. In contrast, Kathi has resigned herself to her fate, becoming a survivor in a hostile setting. The friendship between these two women forms amid adversity and reflects the soul of a society caught between the longings for freedom and the harsh reality of life.
As the rise of nationalism and economic instability solidify, the pressure mounts, and the choices facing Marie and Kathi become ever more unsettling. The film explores themes of class, oppression, and the struggle for dignity in a world that seems merciless. With a raw visual aesthetic that captures the spirit of German Expressionism, the narrative offers a poignant and heartbreaking portrayal of the fight for survival in a city marked by decay and despair.