Mr. Wrong

Mr. Wrong

Year: 1996

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Director: Nick Castle

ComedyRomance

A solitary woman finally meets a charming man who seems perfect for her, but she soon discovers a darker side—a volatile, possessive personality that swings between lover and stalker. As his erratic behavior escalates, she struggles to convince anyone that the man she fell for is a dangerous Jekyll‑Hyde figure.

Mr. Wrong (1996) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Mr. Wrong (1996) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the sun‑lit world of a San Diego television studio, Martha Alston drifts through her days as an associate producer, balancing the relentless hum of deadlines with the quiet ache of a life that feels neatly packaged yet stubbornly incomplete. Surrounded by well‑meaning family and coworkers who gently prod her toward a conventional future, she carries the weight of expectations without ever having found a partner who truly sees her. The city’s coastal charm and the bustling backstage of talk‑show production provide a vivid backdrop, a mix of glossy surface and undercurrent of unspoken yearning.

When a chance encounter in a dimly lit bar introduces Whitman Crawford, the atmosphere shifts. He arrives with an effortless charisma—a polished poet‑type who seems to read Martha’s thoughts before she voices them. Their connection ignites instantly, breathing color into the routine of her existence and promising a future that feels both extraordinary and intimate. The tone swells with an intoxicating blend of romance and intrigue, the kind of chemistry that feels as if the world has finally aligned for her.

Yet beneath Whitman’s smooth veneer flickers a subtle unease. Small, inexplicable moments hint at a volatility that contrasts sharply with his outward charm, suggesting a personality that can swing between tenderness and possessiveness. As their relationship deepens, Martha finds herself navigating a delicate balance, questioning whether the man who appears to complete her might also conceal a darker, more unpredictable side.

The film settles into a suspenseful, character‑driven rhythm, exploring how love can become a mirror that both reveals and distorts. It invites viewers to wonder where admiration ends and obsession begins, and whether a solitary heart can trust its own instincts when the line between affection and control blurs.

Last Updated: October 27, 2025 at 16:41

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Thrillers with Deceptive Charmers like Mr. Wrong

Stories where a seemingly perfect partner reveals a dangerous, obsessive nature.If you liked the chilling twist in Mr. Wrong, this list features movies like it, where a perfect romance turns into a dangerous nightmare. These similar stories focus on the horror of discovering a partner's true, sociopathic nature, blending dark comedy, tension, and psychological thrills.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically begin with a hopeful connection, where the protagonist believes they have found their ideal match. The story arc hinges on the slow, unsettling reveal of the love interest's hidden volatility, escalating from gaslighting and manipulation into overt stalking or abuse, forcing the protagonist into a desperate escape.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on their shared core theme of deceptive appearances in romance, a specific character archetype (the charming predator), and a tonal blend of dark humor with high-stakes psychological and physical tension.

Movies with Escalating Tension like Mr. Wrong

Narratives where a normal, steady existence is violently shattered by a hidden threat.Fans of Mr. Wrong's shift from steady dating to frantic escape will find more movies like it here. These similar thrillers and dramas feature a variable pacing structure, starting calmly before plunging the protagonist into a chaotic and dangerous situation they must fight to survive.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a clear 'before and after' structure. The first act establishes a sense of normalcy and routine for the protagonist. A catalyst event—often the reveal of a hidden danger—shatters this stability, forcing the story into a relentless, fast-paced second and third act where the primary goal is sheer survival.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their distinctive variable pacing and the intense emotional journey of having one's life completely upended. They share a visceral feeling of losing control and the adrenaline-fueled scramble to regain it.

Unlock the Full Story of Mr. Wrong

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Mr. Wrong Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Mr. Wrong, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Mr. Wrong Summary

Mr. Wrong Timeline

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Mr. Wrong Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Mr. Wrong

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Mr. Wrong

More About Mr. Wrong

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