A Case of Rape

Ellen Harrod appears to have a happy marriage to David, though his frequent work absences are beginning to take a toll. The couple seems close, but the strain of his schedule quietly weighs on their relationship.

That same night, Ellen and her neighbor Marge accept a ride home from Larry Retzliff. Once Ellen is inside her apartment, Retzliff claims car trouble and overpowers her, raping her. The assault shatters her sense of safety and she feels unable to tell anyone right away.

Unable to contact David, Ellen decides to put the attack behind her and tries to wash it away with three showers. She attempts to resume her life and hide the trauma from friends and family. The act of cleansing becomes a symbolic attempt to erase what happened.

David returns, but Ellen cannot gather the courage to tell him about the attack. The couple’s communication remains strained, and Ellen struggles to cope in silence as she tries to move forward.

Four days after the initial attack, Retzliff waits behind the front seat of Ellen's car in a parking garage and rapes her again, beating her in the process. The brutality deepens her trauma and fear. Ellen resolves to seek justice despite the fear.

Ellen reports the assault to the authorities, but the response from police and detectives is unsympathetic and clinical. The District Attorney Leonard Alexander seems to have her best interests at heart, yet he clearly harbors reservations about pursuing the case. The atmosphere is cool and procedural.

Muriel Dyer, a ruthless attorney, takes Retzliff's defense, bullies witnesses and relentlessly cross-examines Ellen in the courtroom. Her tactics push the boundaries of admissibility as she aims for an acquittal.

Retzliff is found not guilty, shocking Ellen and others who believed in her testimony. After the verdict, DA Alexander comments on the difficulties of prosecuting rape cases.

After the verdict, Retzliff offers a belated, half-hearted apology. He says 'no hard feelings,' but Ellen answers with a cold warning: 'If you ever come near me again, I'll kill you.' The moment marks a hard boundary and a vow to protect herself.

A closing voiceover reveals that shortly after the trial Retzliff attempts to rape someone else. In the ensuing confrontation with police, he is shot and wounded and ultimately pleads guilty to the rape, receiving prison time.

The events take a toll on Ellen and David's marriage, leaving them emotionally distant. The narration reveals that Ellen files for divorce, seeking independence from the turmoil.

A final voiceover notes the ongoing impact on Ellen's life and the pursuit of justice. The film closes with a sense of unresolved caution and resilience.