Bubble

Martha, a middle-aged single woman, works at a doll factory and cares for her elderly father. She leads a quiet, routine life in a town near the Ohio River. This daily rhythm sets the baseline for the story and Martha's sense of isolation.

Martha regularly drives Kyle to and from work, treating him with care and calling him her 'best friend'. Kyle is shy and socially anxious, living with his TV-obsessed mother. The bond between them hints at Martha's longing for companionship.

The doll factory hires Rose, a young single mother, as Kyle's coworker. Kyle and Rose become mutually attracted and start spending breaks together. Martha watches with chagrin as Rose pushes aside her role in Kyle's life.

Martha reluctantly agrees to drive Rose to her second job as a housekeeper for a wealthy client. Rose uses the client's absence to take a long bath in the Jacuzzi and tries to spin a stolen watch as a gift. This raises Martha's suspicions about Rose's integrity.

To earn extra money, Martha agrees to babysit Rose while Rose goes on a date. Kyle unexpectedly arrives to pick Rose up, revealing that their date is with him. Martha is upset to be sidelined again by Rose.

During their date, Rose and Kyle go to Kyle's house where Rose, unbeknownst to him, steals money Kyle has saved. Kyle senses something is off but doesn't confront Rose. The moment ends with Rose leaving with the money.

When Rose returns to drop off Kyle, her ex-boyfriend Jake appears and accuses Rose of stealing money and marijuana from his home. A heated argument erupts in front of Martha. After Jake leaves, Martha questions Rose about Jake and she dismisses it.

The next morning, neighbors report a crying child and police discover Rose dead of apparent strangulation with no sign of forced entry. A detective interviews Jake and Kyle, who both claim ignorance about the murder. The case shifts toward the people in Rose's circle as suspicion grows.

Martha pawns jewelry she says is inherited and spends the money on fishing equipment and a trip to the beauty parlor. She later gives the fishing gear to Kyle, who mentions Rose's murder. The detective reveals that the fingerprints found on Rose's neck match Martha, leading to her arrest.

Kyle visits Martha in prison and she pleads her innocence, insisting she did not murder Rose and blaming a headache and Rose's rudeness. Kyle remains skeptical of her story as she begs for his help. The scene underscores the strain on their relationship.

In her jail cell, Martha experiences a vision: a bright light followed by the image of Rose's dead body and herself standing over Rose. The surreal moment hints at Martha's possible guilt or psychological distress. Kyle's perspective and the truth remain unresolved.

Kyle's mother takes Rose's job at the doll factory, restoring Kyle's mundane routine. The town continues with life as the mystery of Rose's murder lingers. The film ends with Kyle moving forward while the haunting event remains unresolved.