Her Alibi

Her Alibi

Year: 1989

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Bruce Beresford

MysteryComedyRomanceCrime

As a struggling writer of detective fiction, he's struck by creative drought. To break the cycle, he takes on the role of alibi for a stunning woman accused of murder. Initially convinced of her innocence, he's disarmed by her surprising skills – from knife throwing to cunning wit. As their bond deepens, his doubts grow, and a thrilling cat-and-mouse game ensues, testing his loyalty and wits.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Her Alibi yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Her Alibi (1989)
Trace every key event in Her Alibi (1989) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Phil's Creative Block

Phil Blackwood, a successful mystery writer, finds himself in the grips of a debilitating creative block. His recent works, once celebrated, now blend into a series of disappointments, threatening his reputation and career.

Phil's home
2

Courtroom Observations

In an attempt to spark inspiration, Phil begins attending courtroom trials, becoming deeply engrossed in the unfolding drama. These experiences serve as a source of fascination, illuminating the struggles of those involved.

Local courthouse
3

Encounter with Nina

Phil's life takes a dramatic turn when he lays eyes on Nina, a beautiful Romanian murder suspect. Her compelling innocence and beauty ignite a powerful desire in him to prove her innocence and protect her.

Courtroom
4

Assuming a New Identity

To get closer to Nina while she awaits trial, Phil disguises himself as a Roman Catholic priest. This façade allows him to build a connection with Nina and learn more about her enigmatic circumstances.

Prison
5

Creating a Deceptive Alibi

Phil enlists the help of his friend and agent, William Daniels, to construct an alibi that would assist Nina's release. They concoct a romantic narrative under the scrutiny of the legal system, portraying themselves as lovers.

William's office
6

Doubts Arise

After Nina's release, Phil's friend Sam raises questions about her true nature. Phil begins to wonder if Nina might actually be the manipulative murderer he initially sought to save, creating a conflict within him.

Phil's apartment
7

Paranoia Takes Hold

As his infatuation grows, Phil overhears Nina speaking on the phone in hushed tones, leading to spiraling paranoia about her past. He isolates himself in his room, convincing himself that he needs to train and remain fit.

Phil's bedroom
8

Integrating Nina into Fiction

As the plot thickens, Phil begins to weave Nina's persona into his writing once again, reigniting his creative spark while grappling with his emotional turmoil. This blending of reality and fiction becomes a source of both inspiration and confusion.

Phil's study
9

Threats from Romania

Threatening agents from Romania's Securitate have plans to abduct Nina, heightening the tension of her situation. Meanwhile, Nina secretly works to orchestrate her family's escape to America, fabricating alliances and strategies.

Romania
10

Daring Celebration Escape

Nina makes the courageous decision to escape to a festive celebration for Joseph Grimaldi, filled with creativity and joy. However, her plans unravel as Romanian agents close in, forcing Phil to step in to protect her.

Civic center celebration
11

Final Showdown

With Romanian agents closing in, Phil must act decisively to ensure Nina's safety. This critical moment tests his resolve and commitment to her, highlighting the risks of their shared journey.

Civic center
12

Nina's Successful Escape

Ultimately, Nina triumphs in her quest for freedom, finally reuniting with her family. This moment symbolizes not just her escape, but the culmination of her struggles against a repressive regime.

Civic center
13

Phil's Renaissance

In the aftermath, Phil experiences a renaissance in his writing career, celebrating the successful release of his novel 'Her Alibi.' His story reflects the transformative power of love and hope as he finds clarity in his emotional journey.

Publishing house
14

Reflections on Intimacy

Phil and Nina’s journeys leave a lingering question about the intimacy of relationships: can we ever fully know the true nature of those we love? Their experiences reflect the complex interplay between truth, emotion, and connection.

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 21:31

Similar Movies to Her Alibi
Discover movies like Her Alibi 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.