Sleeping with a Tiger skillfully blends documentary, fiction, and artistic manifesto to trace the life of Maria Lassnig. Portrayed by Birgit Minichmayr, the Austrian artist is presented through each key milestone of her journey, from her prodigious childhood to her recognition as an acclaimed painter.

The film delves into her struggles, particularly her fight against societal conventions and her relentless effort to assert her artistic vision in a male-dominated world. Through meticulous staging and precise artistic direction, it reveals that when she finally gains recognition as an artist, her success is the result of an uncompromising, authentic approach that defined her career from the very beginning.