In early 20th century Spain, a young woman named Tristana lives under the guardianship of an older man, Don Lope, who becomes her protector after her mother’s death. At first, Tristana is an innocent girl full of dreams, but she soon begins to experience the dark complexities of adult life under Lope's dominant influence. He, a decaying intellectual, is drawn to Tristana's beauty and youth, keeping her in a state of emotional and financial dependency.
As their relationship intensifies, Tristana realizes that her life is constrained by Don Lope's selfish desires. Everything changes when she meets a young painter who represents freedom and the possibility of a brighter future. Attracted by his rebellious passion and his art, Tristana embarks on an internal struggle between her desire to break free and Lope's oppressive control.
With unexpected twists, the story takes us through themes of oppression, possessive love, and the fight for self-definition. As Tristana seeks to reclaim her own identity, she becomes a symbol of resistance against social and emotional ties, thereby challenging the conventions of her time. The film is a haunting portrayal of the quest for personal freedom in a world that often seems to be against it.