An older gentleman, Andrew Marsh, finds himself engrossed in a homemade pornographic tape. Tragedy strikes as it is later disclosed that he succumbed to fatal complications associated with erotic asphyxiation. The primary suspect behind this disturbing case is none other than the woman featured in the film, Rebecca Carlson (Madonna). Following the charges laid against her for murder, she secures the legal services of lawyer Frank Dulaney (Willem Dafoe).
The courtroom drama unfolds in Portland, Oregon, where the tension begins to rise. It doesn't take long before an intense, sadomasochistic sexual relationship blossoms between Rebecca and Frank. This clandestine affair occurs right under the nose of Dulaney's unsuspecting wife, who is played by Julianne Moore. Their passionate encounters escalate to the point where Rebecca inflicts hot candle wax onto Frank during their intimate activities.
Rebecca continuously asserts her innocence, both in private conversations with Frank and during the court proceedings. However, the prosecutor, district attorney Robert Garrett (Joe Mantegna), is determined to paint a picture that suggests Rebecca intentionally caused Marsh's death through their sexual exploits, motivated by the lucrative sum of $8 million that he left her in his will.
As the trial progresses, the testimony of Marsh's private secretary, Joanne Braslow (Anne Archer), reveals that her own intimate relationship with him could have contributed to his demise, thus introducing significant doubt surrounding Rebecca's guilt. Despite his undeniable physical attraction to Rebecca, Frank grapples with a lack of trust in her intentions. His wife begins to notice the marks on his skin, leading her to piece together the affair that has been unfolding behind her back.
In court, Rebecca's emotional testimony conveys that she never intended for her husband's death to occur, swaying the jury and ultimately earning her an acquittal. However, as she exits the courtroom, she mockingly thanks Frank for his role in freeing her. It dawns upon Frank that Rebecca indeed orchestrated Marsh's murder through their sexual relationship, but due to the stringent rules of attorney-client privilege, he cannot disclose what he has come to know.
The implications of the double jeopardy rule weigh heavily on Frank's mind; it dictates that she cannot be tried again for the same crime, even with new evidence or an admission of guilt. That very night, he confronts her at her home, discovering her in the company of Marsh's doctor, Alan Payley (Jürgen Prochnow). In an unsettling conversation, they both discuss their heinous plot against Marsh for his wealth. Feeling invulnerable, Rebecca warns Payley to keep quiet as he could find himself on trial for perjury.
In a moment of heated anger, Payley violently confronts Rebecca, leading to a shocking escalation where he shoots her twice. She plummets from a window, meeting her demise in the water below.
In a haunting conclusion, as the authorities apprehend Payley, Frank turns to Garrett, poignant and contemplative, stating, "You should have won the case, Rob." The response is chilling; Garrett coldly asserts, "I did." The story leaves viewers with a profound sense of moral ambiguity and the unsettling consequences embedded within the complex dynamics of power and desire.
