Unhappy with her family life, dirt-poor teenager Yessica finds solace in a close friendship with shy, middle-class Miriam. But the passionate bond between the girls shatters when Yessica's stepbrother and his friend rape Yessica and the adults hold her accountable for provoking the act. Yessica's despair overwhelms her, leading to tragic consequences. 'Perfume de Violetas' transcends its social problem story with its charged, intensely physical depiction of the two girls.