In a climate of intense political and media turbulence, a young woman named Katharina Blum finds herself caught in a whirlwind of scandal after a decisive night. After meeting a man at a party, Katharina spends the night with him, unaware that he is a fugitive accused of murder. The next day, her life takes a dramatic turn when a sensationalist newspaper reports on their encounter, making her the perfect target for rumors and slander.
As the story spreads, social pressure and invasion of her privacy intensify, leading Katharina to be seen not only as an object of media interest but as a sacrificial figure in a society that preys on the vulnerable. Journalists harass her, her surroundings begin to crumble, and her dignity is constantly compromised as she struggles to rebuild her life amidst the chaos.
With her reputation in ruins and fear lurking at her doorstep, Katharina embarks on a desperate path of self-defense that forces her to break her own limits. As she confronts deceit and retaliation, the story transforms society's reaction to the manipulation of information. The film is a powerful comment on dehumanization and guilt, exploring how truth can be manipulated for sensationalistic purposes, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those ensnared in a web of lies.