In the context of the 1940s, a young and seductive writer, Ellen Berent, seems to have it all: beauty, charisma, and an enviable marriage to the handsome yet naive Dickie. However, behind that perfect image lies a dark secret: her obsession with possession and control, which leads her to devastatingly distort the relationships around her. The story begins when Ellen meets Dickie on a trip to the coast, where they quickly fall in love, but Ellen’s affection soon transforms into a dangerous creation of jealousy and manipulation.
Ellen begins to reveal her true self when she learns about Dickie's brother, who becomes an obstacle to her happiness. What initially seemed like a passionate romance soon turns into a deadly game, in which Ellen will stop at nothing to eliminate what she perceives as a threat. Her ability to ensnare those around her in a web of deceit and tragedy makes her one of the most memorable villains in classic cinema.
As the story unfolds, the consequences of her actions are unleashed dramatically, leaving Dickie trapped in a whirlwind of love, guilt, and betrayal that culminates in a shocking finale. Ultimately, the film explores deep themes of obsession, possession, and the complexity of human nature, all wrapped in a captivating aura of suspense and romance.