Lipstick

In the wake of their parents' tragic death in a car accident, twenty-one-year-old Chris McCormick becomes the primary guardian for her younger sister, Kathy. They begin their new life together in a shared apartment, striving to adapt to the profound changes in their lives while Kathy pursues her education at a private Catholic school.

Eager to introduce Chris to the avant-garde musical world, Kathy invites her charismatic music teacher, Gordon Stuart, to one of Chris's photoshoots at the ocean. However, time slips away, causing Chris to miss the chance to experience Gordon's music live, which leaves Kathy disappointed and longing for her sister's connection with the arts.

The following day, Gordon arrives at Chris and Kathy's apartment, but an unexpected and forgetful Chris greets him only wearing a robe, having just come out of the shower. She is soon interrupted by a phone call from her boyfriend, Steve Edison, leading to an uncomfortable tension as she retreats to her bedroom, leaving Gordon frustrated.

In a shocking twist, Chris becomes the victim of a violent assault by Gordon when he follows her into her bedroom. This grotesque act occurs just as young Kathy unexpectedly comes home from school, walking into a nightmare she cannot comprehend as she inadvertently witnesses part of the horror unfolding.

After the assault, Chris desperately pleads with Gordon to let her go when she realizes that Kathy may have misunderstood the situation. Horrified by the events she barely grasped, Kathy eventually confronts Chris, who is left shattered and helpless in the aftermath of the assault.

As the aftermath of the assault unfolds, the police arrive to gather evidence against Gordon. Chris receives support from a rape-crisis counselor, providing her with the solace she needs while facing the unimaginable trauma, as Gordon is arrested later that night.

Days later, Chris, her boyfriend Steve, and her priest Martin meet with district attorney Carla Bondi. She offers a sobering review of their case, warning that due to Chris's prior invitation to Gordon's apartment, securing a conviction would be a challenging endeavor, casting doubt on the pursuit of justice.

During the court trial, Gordon's attorney attempts to discredit Chris by presenting incriminating evidence from her modeling career. His goal is to portray her as a woman of questionable character, but the path to justice becomes increasingly unclear as disturbing details of the encounter surface.

Tragically, it is Kathy's testimony that ultimately leads to Gordon's acquittal. The jury misinterprets her inaction during the assault as consent, leaving Chris devastated and highlighting the injustices faced by survivors in the legal system.

After the traumatic events and subsequent court proceedings, Chris struggles to focus on her modeling career due to emotional turmoil. Consequently, her contract is suspended, leaving her to face the harsh realities of her altered life while Kathy changes schools out of fear over Gordon's potential return.

While visiting an incomplete mall for Chris's photo shoot, Kathy stumbles upon Gordon preparing for a dance performance with former classmates. Unsettled by the unexpected encounter, she feels an involuntary lure toward Gordon's manipulative charm, which rapidly changes to terror as she becomes the target of his predatory intentions.

In a desperate attempt to flee Gordon's grasp, Kathy manages to escape back to the photo shoot visibly distraught and disheveled. Though initially hesitant to confide in Chris, she ultimately reveals the horrifying truth of Gordon's pursuit and aggression, igniting a fierce protective instinct within her sister.

Fueled by rage and a desire to protect her sister, Chris resolves to confront Gordon, retrieving a rifle from her truck to face him. In a moment of emotional turmoil and desperation, she opens fire, resulting in multiple gunshots, tragically including a fatal shot that leads to Gordon's demise.

As the police arrive and apprehend Chris, a reflective moment ensues, illustrating the fallout of her impulsive actions. The chilling reality of the situation unfolds as Chris faces serious legal repercussions, and the question of justice remains uncertain in light of her desperate endeavor to protect her sister.

In a solemn moment, Carla Bondi steps away from her district attorney role to take on Chris's defense. Addressing the jury in Chris’s murder trial, she underscores the importance of their decision, emphasizing the true meaning of justice and its impact on not just her case but society as a whole.