Cruising

A severed human arm is discovered floating in the Hudson River, alarming investigators. Detective Lefransky from the NYPD orders Dr. Rifkin to assist in determining if this arm matches a torso found earlier, marking the beginning of a chilling investigation.

In a predominantly gay neighborhood, patrolmen DiSimone and Desher harass two transvestite prostitutes, exemplifying the systemic abuse in the police force. Nearby, a man in a black leather jacket enters a gay nightclub, where he soon becomes involved in a grim turn of events.

The man in sunglasses, after leaving the nightclub with patron Loren Lukas, ties him up in a hotel room and brutally stabs him while singing a haunting tune. This murder raises alarm in the already tense environment as the struggle against violence in the gay community begins.

Dr. Rifkin conducts an autopsy on Loren Lukas's body but discovers a perplexing detail: the killer’s DNA can’t be determined due to the lack of sperm in the ejaculate. This leads to an investigation focusing on a sterile killer, narrowing down the search for suspects.

Detective Captain Edelson briefs young officer Steve Burns about the string of murders and instructs him to go undercover. He must pose as a homosexual to investigate the killings, indicating the challenges and dangers of his upcoming mission.

Moving to a gay neighborhood, Steve meets his neighbor Ted, and they discuss the recent murders. As Steve starts adapting to his undercover role, he engages with the community by visiting gay bars and immersing himself in the atmosphere.

In a park, the killer lures Eric Rossman into the woods under the pretense of intimacy but ultimately stabs him to death. The chilling echo of 'You made me do that' indicates the disturbed psyche of the murderer, revealing a pattern of violence.

Steve's undercover work strains his relationship with his girlfriend Nancy, as he confides in her about the dangers of his job. The emotional toll of living a double life begins to surface, affecting both his personal life and his mission.

Fashion designer Martino Perry tragically meets the killer after following him into a peep show booth. The brutal stabbing solidifies the notion that the murder spree is escalating, prompting urgency within the police department.

As the pressure mounts from the Chief of Detectives to solve the case before the upcoming Democratic National Convention, Steve asks about Skip Lee, acquiring insights into the locals and their complex relationships. This leads him deeper into the investigation.

Detective Lefransky finds DaVinci, who identifies Skip Lee as a suspect. The investigation takes a turn when Steve sets a trap for Lee, leading to a tense standoff in a motel room where their interactions are secretly monitored.

Steve discovers crucial evidence linking Stuart Richards's writings to the murder spree. This revelation highlights the psychological aspects of the killer and connects the dots leading to the suspect’s possible motives.

Steve confronts Stuart Richards in a tunnel, attempting to arrest him. The situation escalates, leading to a violent clash where Steve manages to stab Richards and take him into custody, bringing the investigation to a climax.

After his arrest, Richards is confronted by Edelson, who offers him a deal in exchange for a confession. The investigation culminates in Richards's admission to the murders, revealing the complexities surrounding his actions and relationships.

After the conclusion of the case, while Steve prepares to return to his life, he unknowingly leaves behind reminders of his undercover work. Nancy's discovery of his belongings hints at the twisted connections of their lives and the lingering shadows of his dark experience.