Year: 1996
Runtime: 90 mins
Language: English
Director: Jack Bender
After being manipulated into aiding a robbery at her workplace, a scarred and self‑conscious young woman is arrested and sent to prison. While incarcerated she undergoes extensive plastic surgery that dramatically changes her appearance. Upon release she returns, armed with her new identity, to exact revenge on the employer and the con artists who betrayed her.
Get a spoiler-free look at A Face to Die For (1996) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a world where ambition and insecurity dance on the edge of every glass‑covered office and dimly lit hallway, Emily Gilmore carries a physical reminder of a tragic past—a scar that shadows every mirror and every smile. Her talent and quiet determination are constantly at odds with a deep‑seated self‑doubt that keeps her on the periphery of both career success and personal connection. The film paints this atmosphere with a sleek, almost clinical aesthetic, underscored by a subtle, lingering melancholy that hints at something more dangerous lurking beneath the polished surfaces.
When a charismatic presence offers a fleeting sense of belonging, Emily finds herself coaxed into a risky situation that spirals beyond her control. The consequences land her behind bars, where the stark, regimented environment forces a reckoning with both her past and her sense of self. An unexpected medical intervention—a pioneering plastic‑surgery program—provides a chance at physical renewal, silently promising a fresh start while leaving the emotional scars untouched. This transformative period is rendered with a cool, almost sterile visual tone, emphasizing the paradox of outward beauty and inner turmoil.
Released into a world that now sees her as someone else, Emily adopts a new identity, stepping back into the familiar corporate and personal circles that once defined her life. The narrative’s mood shifts to one of measured tension, as she navigates the polished facades of those around her while harboring a quiet, determined purpose. The tone remains sleek and suspenseful, inviting the audience to wonder how far a person will go when given the chance to rewrite their story, and what hidden costs lie behind a perfect new face.
Last Updated: October 27, 2025 at 16:40
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A Face to Die For (1996) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
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