Olivia

In London, five-year-old Olivia watches as her prostitute mother is killed by a sadomasochistic American soldier. The man disposes of her mother's body by throwing it into the River Thames off London Bridge. The crime leaves Olivia traumatized and haunted by her mother's memory.

Olivia is married to the domineering Richard who forbids her to work. She is haunted by memories of her mother's death and hears her mother's guiding voice in her decisions. The weight of the past colors her life in London.

With Richard away for work, Olivia dresses provocatively and walks the street as a prostitute. She lures a client, returns to his home, and reenacts her mother’s murder by tying him up and beating him to death with a vase. The act marks a violent break from her marriage's suppression.

American engineer Michael Grant arrives in London to work on restoring London Bridge. He discovers Olivia walking beneath the bridge and invites her to his hotel for drinks. They connect emotionally and share passionate sex.

The next day, Olivia returns home and finds Richard raping her. The assault underscores the power imbalance in their marriage and the trauma Olivia carries. Her affair with Michael deepens in secrecy.

Olivia and Michael continue their affair, but Richard discovers them on the London Bridge. A struggle ensues and Richard is thrown over the railing into the river, either dead or presumed dead. Olivia flees into the city, terrified.

Michael has relocated to the United States, where London Bridge pieces have been reassembled spanning the Colorado River in Lake Havasu City. A new upscale development opens, attracting visitors. Jenny, a tourism ambassador, closely resembles Olivia, prompting Michael to pursue her.

Michael pursues Jenny and eventually learns that she is actually Olivia. On the bridge, Jenny confirms her identity and the two begin a romantic relationship. Michael notices Olivia's odd references to her angry mother and hears her talking to herself.

One night, before Olivia's return home, Michael is killed in the bathroom by an unseen assailant who impales him with a toothbrush. Olivia returns and lies with who she believes is Michael, only to find it's Richard alive, having followed her to the U.S. He beats her and hints that Michael is truly dead.

Richard moves back into Olivia's life, now controlling her from their shared home. He imposes his will as she lives under constant fear. The return propels Olivia toward a desperate conclusion.

During an intimate moment, Olivia stabs Richard to death with a butcher knife. She hides his body in a steamer trunk and dumps it into the Colorado River beneath the bridge. The act completes a cycle of violent control and release.

As the trunk sinks, Olivia is haunted by memories of her mother reading fairytales and telling her she would one day meet a prince. The ending contrasts the motif of fairy-tale rescue with a grim, self-determined fate. The film closes on Olivia's conflicted hope and ruin.