Harriet Craig

The film opens by establishing Harriet's neurotic pursuit of perfection in her home, social life, and self-image. She treats people as tools to maintain a flawless facade, and her goal of total control makes life miserable for those around her.

Harriet shares her home with her husband Walter, her cousin Clare, and two maids. She exerts constant control over routines and behavior, positioning herself as the 'lady' who sets every standard.

A backstory shows Harriet's difficult childhood with a philandering father. This history fuels her distrust of men and her insistence on manipulating others to fit her ideal life.

Harriet scolds the maids and bullies the nervous one until she is fired. The other longtime maid witnesses the hostility and quits under pressure, signaling Harriet's growing domination of the household.

To keep control, Harriet keeps Walter's friends away and replaces them with stodgy, older couples who flatter her ambitions and align with her image.

Clare becomes involved with Wes Miller, Walter's coworker, which Harriet sees as a threat to her control. She begins to undermine the romance with deceit and lies.

Walter earns a coveted assignment that would require him to travel abroad. Harriet fears losing control over the household if he leaves and plots to prevent the trip.

Harriet tells treacherous lies to Walter's boss in an effort to cancel the assignment. The scheme reveals the depth of her manipulation to maintain their life together.

Clare overhears Harriet admit to Walter that she lied to sabotage Clare's relationship. The hidden web of deceit starts unraveling, exposing Harriet's dominion.

Clare packs her belongings and leaves, choosing independence over living under Harriet's manipulative rule. The household's fragile balance collapses.

Walter deduces that Harriet manipulated both him and his boss, and he begins to reject her control. He makes a deliberate move toward emotional and physical distance.

In a dramatic act, Walter drinks, settles on the pristine sofa, and smashes Harriet's cherished Ming vase. The destruction mirrors the breakdown of her control over the home.

Harriet finally confesses to lying about the long-term maid and about the deception in their marriage. Walter recognizes the depth of her manipulation and decides to walk away.

Walter leaves Harriet, choosing life beyond the house and her schemes. Harriet is left alone with the house—the one thing she can truly claim.