On a sweltering summer day in the 1940s, Frank Chambers, a tormented drifter, arrives at a small gas station and diner on a California highway, owned by the scatterbrained and trapped Cora Papadakis. From the very first moment, there is an undeniable spark between them, an attraction fueled by desire and frustration. Cora, stuck in a loveless marriage with the older, possessive Nick, dreams of a more exciting life, one that Frank seems capable of offering her.
Tension escalates, and without a second thought, they embark on a passionate romance that leads them to devise a grim plan: to get rid of the husband who keeps them captive. As the temperature rises and the secrets become unbearable, their plans take an unexpected turn that further complicates their relationship. The couple plunges into a world of lies and betrayals, where each attempt to free themselves from Nick seems to lead to more trouble.
The atmosphere of the post-war era, the psychological game between the characters, and the relentless fate that seems to loom over the lovers create a dark and captivating tale of obsession, ambition, and the consequences of human desires. As the story unfolds, the characters find themselves ensnared in a web of guilt and desperation that culminates in a shocking conclusion, leaving the audience questioning the boundaries of morality and love.