A Closed Book

Sir Paul explains that he wants an amanuensis to help write his autobiography and arranges an interview process. Jane applies and proves herself intelligent and forthright, and he hires her on the spot. He also introduces Mrs. Kilbride, the housekeeper, who will be living at the mansion with them.

Sir Paul reveals his claustrophobia and a 'terrific fear of the dark' despite being blind, and asks that the lights be switched on at exactly the same times as in any normal house. This bizarre constraint marks the start of the unsettling dynamic between master and new houseguest. Jane moves in to take up her role as amanuensis while the tension builds.

Jane explores the silent, dust-covered mansion and notices a teddy bear with only one eye. She snaps the bear's eye off, an unsettling act that is followed by a painting shot and the sound of children's laughter, hinting at hidden memories in the house. The moment foreshadows a darker truth underlying the artwork in the house.

At breakfast, Paul and Jane discuss small irritations, with Paul reacting angrily to Jane saying 'no problem'. He explains that he can hear her smile and think, an unsettling statement about his other senses. He begins dictating his book, and Jane types as his life unfolds.

Paul asks Jane to purchase a puzzle painting for him and to inform his agent. Jane arranges a call, but discovers the agent is out of the country and unavailable. The request shows Paul's meticulous control over his public image and the project surrounding his autobiography.

Jane's subtle manipulations escalate as she moves paintings, tests boundaries, and even lies about wearing a red gown while secretly in jeans. She also burns several of Paul's books in the fireplace, revealing a growing willingness to disrupt his life.

Paul begins to suspect Jane's personal life when she sends Mrs. Kilbride home for a week without consulting him. He challenges her, while she deflects, keeping up appearances to avoid suspicion. The strains between master and servant intensify.

While singing in the bath, Paul hears strange noises. Jane reassures him; after she leaves, a shot of the teddy bear returns and a painting of a young girl with a teddy bear appears with laughter. The scene deepens the sense that the house hides something ominous.

Jane's lies deepen as she fabricates news about Madonna dying and O.J. Simpson committing suicide. Suspicions rise when Mrs. Kilbride returns and finds a puzzle Jane bought but the wrong puzzle. Paul distrusts Jane, but she tries to reassure him and continues transcribing.

Mrs Kilbride informs that her husband may have lung cancer and she cannot work for a while. The news adds to the fragility of the household's routine and increases Jane's leverage.

An MP visits to lobby Paul to vote Conservative, and Paul's suspicions about Jane are temporarily assuaged. Jane reads aloud what she has written, and Paul insists that the transcription be accurate.

Jane escalates her campaign by leaving a suit of armor on the floor and displacing desks and books, knowing Paul will walk into them. She leaves the house and later returns to monitor his reaction, fueling his sense of danger.

Paul dials his agent for the first time and learns the agent was in his office the entire time, never traveling. The discovery confirms Jane's manipulation and intent, heightening the danger.

In the bedroom, Jane reveals that her late husband Ralph had an art career that was condemned by Sir Paul, and Ralph's paintings are the ones shown in quick cuts. Paul acknowledges that he recognized 'proxy child abuse' in the paintings and admits that he himself is a pedophile.

Jane attempts to destroy Paul as he vouches for truth; he shoves him into a wardrobe, and Paul escapes by using a pocket phone to call Mrs Kilbride. He reveals that Ralph killed himself over the truth and that he too has hidden secrets. Jane drives away and, in the final moment, Paul shoots himself inside the mansion.