A Dangerous Woman

Year: 1993

Runtime: 102 mins

Language: English

Director: Stephen Gyllenhaal

DramaRomance

The film follows Martha Horgan, a withdrawn, mentally disabled woman living with her aunt Frances. Known for never telling a lie, Martha’s honesty costs her a job at a dry‑cleaners after the scheming Getso frames her. Her world further unravels when she falls for local fixer Mackey, who is also secretly involved with Frances, sparking bitter conflict.

A Dangerous Woman (1993) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In a modest Midwestern town, Martha Horgan lives a quiet life under the watchful eye of her Aunt Frances. Martha’s world is defined by an unshakable commitment to honesty—a trait that both protects her and leaves her vulnerable when the world insists on deceit. The house they share, filled with the soft hum of everyday chores and the looming preparation for a local political gala, feels like a fragile sanctuary where appearances are carefully maintained.

A sudden, inexplicable loss of her job at the local dry‑cleaner forces Martha to confront forces beyond her control. The town’s undercurrents reveal a manipulative presence in Getso, whose scheming ways hint at a deeper tension that threatens to upend Martha’s fragile stability. Amid this unsettled atmosphere, a handyman named Mackey arrives to repair the porch, bringing with him an unexpected blend of kindness and mystery that both comforts and unsettles Martha.

The developing connection between Martha and Mackey is layered with unspoken longing and the weight of their respective secrets. As the community’s eyes turn toward the upcoming gala—a glittering façade that masks personal anxieties—Martha finds herself caught between the safety of Frances’s careful world and the alluring, if uncertain, promise that Mackey represents. Their interactions ripple through the household, illuminating both the tenderness and the tension that simmer beneath the surface.

The film balances raw emotional honesty with a muted, almost reverent visual style, inviting viewers into a world where small gestures carry great significance. It teeters between hope and uncertainty, exploring how a woman bound by truth navigates a landscape of hidden motives, fragile relationships, and the quiet yearning for connection.

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 at 04:38

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a central character whose defining trait is a commitment to truthfulness. This virtue is tested by surrounding characters who are deceitful or self-serving, creating an escalating conflict. The climax typically involves a violent act forced by this ideological clash, resulting in a resolution that is tragic yet contains a sliver of grim validation for the protagonist's stance.

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