Double Jeopardy

Year: 1999

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Bruce Beresford

Budget: $70M

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

Libby Parsons is wrongly convicted of murdering her husband and desperately seeks to find her son while uncovering a dangerous conspiracy that has destroyed her life. While on parole, she relentlessly pursues the truth, pushing her parole officer, Travis Lehman, to question his own judgments and confront a system that may be failing her. Their complex relationship intensifies as Travis is forced to challenge authority and reassess his perspective, leading to a tense and dangerous confrontation.

Double Jeopardy (1999) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Double Jeopardy (1999) 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 the mist‑shrouded towns of the Pacific Northwest, a quiet domestic world is upended by a sudden, devastating accusation. The film opens on a seemingly ordinary family whose life is abruptly fractured, thrusting its central figure into a stark confrontation with a legal system that feels both unforgiving and opaque. The atmosphere is heavy with coastal rain and the low hum of institutional bureaucracy, setting a tone that balances relentless suspense with an intimate, almost claustrophobic emotional core.

At the heart of the story is Libby Parsons, a mother whose fierce love for her young son fuels an unyielding drive to reclaim the life that has been torn from her. Wrongly convicted and confined, she emerges on parole with a single, consuming purpose: to uncover the truth behind the forces that condemned her and to reunite with her child. The film subtly weaves the concept of legal finality into Libby’s resolve, hinting at the precarious balance between justice and the loopholes that may yet offer her a chance at redemption.

Opposite her, Travis Lehman, the parole officer assigned to monitor her reintegration, becomes an unexpected focal point for the narrative’s moral tension. As he navigates the rigid expectations of his role, Travis is drawn into a growing doubt about the very structures he upholds. Their interactions pulse with a mix of professional obligation and personal curiosity, gradually revealing a partnership that challenges both their perceptions of right and wrong. The evolving dynamic between them injects the story with a layered, character‑driven intrigue that keeps the audience guessing about loyalty and truth.

Together, the film paints a portrait of a woman fighting against institutional inertia, a system that seems designed to crush rather than protect. The mood is taut, underscored by the relentless tide of bureaucracy and the quiet determination of a mother willing to confront any obstacle. The tension between duty and conscience, law and love, creates a gripping, atmospheric canvas that promises a journey as emotionally charged as it is suspenseful.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 12:50

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about being framed and seeking revenge like Double Jeopardy

Ordinary protagonists pushed to extremes to clear their name and seek justice.If you enjoyed the high-stakes pursuit of justice in Double Jeopardy, this thread features similar movies about wrongful accusations and thrilling revenge. Discover other tense dramas and crime thrillers where protagonists are pushed to their limits to clear their name and confront those who betrayed them.

betrayeddeterminedtensesuspensefulvengefuldesperatecatharticthrilling

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with a devastating betrayal that frames the protagonist for a crime they didn't commit. This inciting event propels them on a dangerous path of discovery, often involving a race against time, gathering evidence, and outsmarting a powerful antagonist. The journey is one of transformation, from a victim of the system to a proactive force challenging it.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a core premise of a shattered life due to a false accusation, creating immediate empathy and high stakes. They are united by a tense, fast-paced tone, a heavy emotional weight stemming from betrayal, and a central character arc defined by determination and a relentless pursuit of truth and retribution.

Thrillers with fugitives on parole like Double Jeopardy

Thrillers where a parolee's quest for truth turns into a dangerous cat-and-mouse game.Fans of the cat-and-mouse tension in Double Jeopardy will enjoy this collection of thrillers featuring protagonists on parole or probation. These movies focus on characters operating under the watchful eye of the law while secretly conducting a high-stakes investigation, leading to tense confrontations and risky gambles.

tensesuspensefuldesperateriskyclaustrophobicdeterminedruthlesscunning

Narrative Summary

The pattern involves a protagonist recently released from incarceration, navigating the strict rules of parole while secretly pursuing a personal agenda, often with a parole officer as a key antagonist or reluctant ally. The story is built on dual threats: the danger of the central conspiracy and the imminent risk of being sent back to prison, forcing the character to be clever and resourceful.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their unique setting and source of tension: the precarious freedom of a parolee. They share a fast pace driven by the urgency of the investigation and the constant threat of recapture. The tone is consistently tense and suspenseful, with a high-intensity feel stemming from the protagonist's vulnerable position and high-stakes goals.

Unlock the Full Story of Double Jeopardy

Don't stop at just watching — explore Double Jeopardy in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Double Jeopardy is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Double Jeopardy Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Double Jeopardy, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Double Jeopardy Timeline

Track the full timeline of Double Jeopardy with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Double Jeopardy

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Double Jeopardy. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

More About Double Jeopardy

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Double Jeopardy: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Double Jeopardy

Discover movies like Double Jeopardy that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.