Fracture

Theodore Crawford discovers that his wife, Jennifer, is having an affair with police detective Rob Nunally. This shocking revelation sets off a chain of events that alters the lives of everyone involved.

In a fit of rage, Crawford shoots his wife Jennifer, seriously wounding her. This act of violence is the catalyst for the intricate legal battle that follows.

Immediately after the shooting, Crawford confesses to his crime to Detective Nunally at the scene. However, this confession becomes complicated when he later retracts it during his arraignment.

The case becomes a high-stakes contest between Crawford and deputy district attorney Willy Beachum. Beachum, confident in the straightforwardness of the case, is unprepared for the cunning tactics Crawford employs as his own attorney.

As Beachum prepares for his transition from criminal law to corporate attorney, he starts a romantic relationship with his future boss, Nikki Gardner. This subplot adds personal stakes to Beachum's professional challenge against Crawford.

The trial begins with Crawford representing himself, creating an unusual dynamic in the courtroom. With his knowledge of the law and determination, Crawford challenges Beachum’s prosecutorial skills rigorously.

Beachum uncovers critical evidence, revealing that the handgun recovered from Crawford's home had never been fired and does not match the shell casings found at the crime scene. This discovery leaves Beachum scrambling for a new strategy.

As pressure mounts, Detective Nunally, driven by revenge, offers to plant false evidence against Crawford. However, Beachum's integrity prevents him from engaging in any unethical conduct.

With no new evidence to present, Beachum is forced to concede the trial. As a result, Crawford is acquitted, much to the shock of Beachum and the courtroom spectators.

In the aftermath of the trial, Beachum's career is left in turmoil, and his relationship with Nikki deteriorates. Unwilling to let the case go, Beachum obsessively continues to seek justice for Jennifer.

Crawford successfully obtains a restraining order against Beachum, preventing him from visiting the comatose Jennifer. This legal maneuver indicates Crawford's manipulative control over the situation.

In a critical turn of events, Crawford orders hospital staff to take Jennifer off life support. This heart-wrenching choice alters Beachum's pursuit of justice as Jennifer's status as an eyewitness is eliminated.

Beachum stumbles upon a pivotal clue: Nunally's and Crawford's guns are the same model. Realizing the guns were switched during the chaos, Beachum begins to connect the dots of Crawford's deception.

Beachum confronts Crawford with newly discovered evidence of the gun switch, urging him to confess again. Crawford, under the false impression of double jeopardy protection, is caught off guard by Beachum's strategy.

With the evidence against Crawford solidified, police are waiting outside to arrest him after revealing the truth about the circumstances of Jennifer's death. The film concludes with the promise of a new trial, this time with thorough legal representation.