Fatal Instinct

While conducting a stakeout in an amusing Los Angeles amusement park, police detective Ned Ravine encounters a flirtatious and alluring blonde woman, Lola Cain. However, he is soon compelled to leave her side to track down the notorious criminal, [Milo Crumley](Blake Clark), infamously known as the “pantyhose bandit.” Following his successful arrest of Milo, Ned—who also practices as a defense attorney—extends an offer to represent the criminal in court.

At his law firm, Ned leans on the unwavering support of his dedicated secretary, Laura, whose efficiency is overshadowed by haunting memories of her previous abusive marriage. After Ned successfully defends Milo, he receives an unexpected visit from the captivating Lola, who wishes to have some unclear documents reviewed the next evening.

As Ned diligently fulfills his police duties, his wife, Lana Ravine, has been covertly involved with auto mechanic Frank Kelbo. Lana seeks Frank’s counsel on the specifics of her husband’s accident insurance policy, discovering an enticing triple indemnity clause that stipulates a $9 million payout in the event of Ned’s untimely demise through various scenarios. Determined, she plans to kill Ned that weekend while he attends a legal symposium in Santa Barbara, vowing to share the insurance sum with her lover. She enlists Frank to sabotage Ned’s car, compelling him to take the train instead.

As instructions lead Ned to meet Lola at Le Hot Club, he finds himself lured into a web of sensual encounters at her mansion, where pleasurable yet bewildering activities unfold amidst a backdrop of laundry receipts and lottery tickets. In the light of day, however, Ned, reminded of his marital vows, attempts to sever ties with Lola, only to invoke a disturbing reaction from her.

Meanwhile, the vengeful criminal Max Shady has been released from his prison sentence and seeks retribution against Ned for an earlier courtroom defeat. Even while Laura alerts Ned to the threats sent from Max, he dismisses these menacing notes as mere venting.

In a peculiar attempt at reconciliation, Ned gifts Lana a pet skunk, but she remains fixated on her murderous intention. During celebrations for Laura’s birthday, she perceives her boss, Ned, in a new light, wishing for deeper connection. An obsessive Lola disrupts their dinner, threatening Ned with an ice pick and heightening Laura’s concerns for his safety. When Ned finds himself without his car, he contemplates flying to Santa Barbara, but Lana persuades him to take the train—against his better judgement, haunted by family tragedies tied to trains.

On the train, as tensions rise, Ned grows increasingly anxious, and Lana secretly boards alongside Frank, both intent on executing their deadly plan. In a tragic turn, Lana accidentally shoots Max instead of Ned, believing she has rid herself of her husband. Grateful yet duty-bound, Ned promises to defend her against the murder charges that follow.

In the courtroom, Ned successfully sways the jury to acquit Lana; however, freedom leads her to eliminate Frank, fearing he could implicate her. Unbeknownst to Ned, Lola has witnessed the act of betrayal and moves to blackmail Lana. When Ned confronts Lola, an absurd revelation emerges: Lola and Lana are identical twins, the former scarred by Lana’s jealousy and betrayal, leading to extensive plastic surgeries.

As tension escalates within the household, Laura warns Ned of Lana’s deadly plans. A desperate confrontation results in tragedy as both Natasha and Lola fall victim to Laura’s skilled marksmanship. In the midst of chaos, her gunfire inadvertently affects Ned.

In the concluding scene, with danger behind them, Laura and Ned seize the chance for a fresh start, declaring their love for one another, while their pet skunk observes from his safe spot in the dresser, a silent witness to their newfound passion.

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 10:15