Henri Verdoux, a former bank clerk, loses his job during the Great Depression and devises a cunning plan to support his family. Under the guise of a charming gentleman, he seduces, marries, and subsequently murders wealthy women to claim their fortunes. Verdoux juggles multiple identities as he meticulously plans each crime, all while maintaining a facade of sophistication and respectability in his interactions. His methodical approach initially allows him to evade suspicion and amass wealth. Verdoux uses the proceeds to support his ailing wife and young son, painting a moral ambiguity to his otherwise heinous acts.

As time progresses, Verdoux's operations become increasingly complex, raising the stakes and intensifying the risk of exposure. He faces unforeseen challenges that force him to adapt and rethink his strategies, highlighting the precarious nature of his double life. His personal encounters with new individuals threaten his carefully constructed identity. The story develops a tension between Verdoux’s public charm and his private malice, leading to unpredictable and gripping developments.