Pretty Poison (1968)

Dennis Pitt is a troubled young man recently released on parole from a mental health facility. He finds himself captivated by the teenage Sue Ann Stepenek. In a moment of deception, he convinces her that he is a covert operative, leading her to join him on various so-called “missions.” However, the situation spirals out of control when Dennis and Sue Ann attempt to sabotage a factory, following imaginary directives from the CIA.

During the chaos, they run into the factory’s night watchman, and in a shocking turn of events, Sue Ann knocks him unconscious before ultimately drowning him. While Dennis is consumed by guilt over their heinous actions, Sue Ann is strangely exhilarated by the thrill of their escapade and pressures him to flee to Mexico with her. Yet, first, they must deal with her disapproving mother.

Upon returning to Sue Ann’s house to collect her belongings, they are interrupted by the arrival of Mrs. Stepanek. It dawns on Sue Ann that Dennis lacks the capacity to kill, leading her to take matters into her own hands by shooting her mother and coercing Dennis to hide the body. Instead of complying, Dennis makes the critical decision to inform the police.

Realizing that the authorities will likely believe Sue Ann over him, Dennis chooses not to defend himself, accepting full responsibility for their actions in court. Without a second thought, Sue Ann betrays him, condemning him to a life sentence in prison. Strangely relieved to be incarcerated, Dennis feels a sense of safety away from Sue Ann, whose increasingly menacing nature has left him terrified.

Even as Dennis withholds the truth from his doubtful parole officer, Azenauer, he implores him to “see what Sue Ann is up to,” hoping to expose her true character. The film concludes with a chilling scene where Sue Ann encounters a new young man, expressing her frustrations about her current guardians and hinting that she may indeed use and ultimately destroy him, just as she did with Dennis. Unbeknownst to her, Dennis’s parole officer is diligently observing as she departs with her unsuspecting victim.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 01:44