A Dangerous Woman

Martha Horgan, a woman described as mentally challenged, struggles to lead a normal life. She is fired from the local dry-cleaner after accusations of stealing from the cash register, and she remains convinced Getso framed her. The incident compounds her sense of isolation and fuels her distrust of those around her.

Depressed, Martha returns to Aunt Frances' home where she once found some stability. A handyman named Mackey has been hired to fix the porch of the main house, setting the stage for their budding interaction. The porch was damaged earlier by the politician's wife in a fit of anger over her husband's affair.

Mackey proves kind to Martha, defending her from Getso's bullying and even smashing the windshield on Getso's van. He treats her with respect and patience, not as a target. Martha grows increasingly fond of him as their interactions deepen.

One night Mackey returns home drunk and has sex with Martha on the sofa. Later, Frances, who is also drunk after the gala, sleeps with Mackey as well. The politician had reconciled with his wife and left with her at the end of the evening.

Mackey plans to finish the porch work and then depart, feeling guilty about his infidelity. Martha urges him to stay and seems to attempt to seduce him; he initially resists but then relents, only to reject her and throw her out. The tension leaves both of them emotionally unsettled.

Seeking support after the fallout, Martha goes to Birdie's home. There she encounters Getso, who taunts and threatens her, escalating her sense of danger. The encounter sets the stage for a violent confrontation.

Feeling cornered, Martha stabs Getso repeatedly with a sandwich knife. She then stays and tries to comfort him as he bleeds out, grappling with the gravity of her actions. The incident marks a turning point in her life and its consequences.

Frances and Mackey take Martha to the police station, where they are informed that she is pregnant and will likely be charged with murder and face life in jail. She is overwhelmed by guilt and the looming possibility of an unbearable future. The moment crystallizes the gravity of her situation.

Frances, who is pregnant, suggests that Martha could tell the police Getso raped her and be released. Martha refuses because it would be a lie, and she does not reveal that Mackey is the father of her child. Mackey later presses her to lie to save her life, but Martha holds firm.

Martha steadfastly asserts that Mackey must take responsibility for their child. She refuses to lie to the authorities and faces the consequences with a heavy sense of duty. The decision reinforces the gravity of her choice and the strain on their relationships.

A final scene set in the near future reveals that Martha has been remanded to a care facility where she is allowed day visits. Frances, Mackey, and her child are shown taking her away for one of these visits, indicating a fragile but lingering connection. The film ends on a somber note about dependence and family bonds.