Deathtrap

After experiencing yet another flop in his playwriting career, Sidney Bruhl returns to his East Hampton home. He reunites with his wife, Myra, where they discuss his latest struggles in the industry.

Sidney reveals to Myra that he has received a play titled 'Deathtrap' from a former student named Clifford Anderson. As he describes the play, he jokingly suggests to Myra that he could murder the student and steal it to save his career.

Clifford Anderson arrives at Sidney's home shortly after the invitation. The atmosphere is tense as Myra, concerned about her heart condition, tries to encourage collaboration rather than conflict.

Overwhelmed by jealousy and ambition, Sidney attacks Clifford, strangling him with a chain. In a shocking turn of events, Sidney forces Myra to assist in dragging the unconscious body outside to be buried.

The couple receives a visit from psychic Helga ten Dorp, who senses ominous energy surrounding Sidney. Despite her warnings about danger, Sidney's obsession with the play and success overrides his caution.

In an unexpected twist, Clifford bursts through the window to attack Sidney, leading to a chaotic chase for Myra. Tragically, her heart condition fails her as she collapses, leaving Sidney free from her grasp.

Following Myra's funeral, Clifford steps into the role of Sidney's secretary, claiming he is writing a play about a welfare office. However, Sidney struggles to shake off his writer's block and redefine his career.

Sidney's suspicions are piqued when his lawyer visits and notices Clifford's odd behavior concerning his manuscript. After sending Clifford away, Sidney discovers that the play is, in fact, about Myra's murder, taking a dark twist.

Helga stops by once again, warning Sidney that she suspects Clifford is the man that threatens him. She leaves with a sense of foreboding, but Sidney remains fixated on his ambitions and disregards her concerns.

Determined to stop Clifford from completing 'Deathtrap,' Sidney stages a confrontation under the pretense of acting out parts of the play. In a heart-wrenching moment, Sidney reveals a gun and tearfully suggests he must end Clifford's writing.

As Sidney pulls the trigger, the gun fails to fire, revealing that Clifford has taken the bullets. In a dramatic reversal, Clifford restrains Sidney and reveals his plan to finish the play without him.

Using his wit, Sidney manages to escape the manacles and arms himself with a crossbow. In a suspenseful moment, he aims carefully and shoots Clifford, taking control of the deadly game.

As a storm hits, plunging the home into darkness, Sidney frantically searches for a way to dispose of Clifford's body. The tension rises when Helga appears again, sensing the imminent danger surrounding them.

As the chaos escalates, a lethal struggle for control ensues between Sidney, Clifford, and Helga. This climactic moment leads to a twisted conclusion as the boundary between reality and the play blurs.

In a shocking twist, the film concludes with an on-stage performance of 'Deathtrap,' where the audience erupts in applause. Helga ten Dorp, now rebranded as the playwright, basks in the success of the story that reflects the dark events.