Pretty Poison

Dennis Pitt, a disturbed man recently released from a mental institution, begins a troubling fixation on teenage Sue Ann Stepanek. He struggles to keep his life on track while drawn to her; Sue Ann, in turn, is intrigued by him. Their first encounter marks the start of a dangerous, symbiotic bond.

Dennis tells Sue Ann that he is a secret agent and invites her to join his improvised 'missions.' He treats the lies as a way to bond and thrill-seek, blurring the line between fantasy and reality. Sue Ann eagerly accepts, fueling the toxic dynamic.

The couple schemes to sabotage a factory on imaginary CIA orders, immersing themselves in a reckless fantasy. They carry out their plan, showing a willingness to break the law for the sake of their connection. The act marks the descent into violent consequences.

During the sabotage, they encounter the factory's night watchman. Sue Ann knocks him unconscious and drowns him, escalating the violence. Dennis is left reeling, recognizing the gravity of their actions.

Dennis is wracked with guilt over what he has done and what he has allowed to happen. He wrestles with conscience as fear and remorse creep in. Sue Ann remains excited by the 'adventure' and presses for more thrills.

Sue Ann grows determined to escape with Dennis to Mexico, seeing their alleged 'missions' as a way to start anew. Dennis fluctuates between fear and fascination but becomes complicit in the plan. The idea of leaving town further cements their bond in delusion.

The couple travels to Sue Ann's home to collect clothes and execute their plan. They are interrupted by Mrs. Stepanek's unexpected arrival, creating a tense confrontation. The moment raises the stakes for both of them.

In a brutal turn, Sue Ann shoots her mother to remove an obstacle in their escape. Dennis is ordered to dispose of the body, but he chooses to call the police instead, signaling a break with Sue Ann’s control. The act sets the stage for their downfall.

Dennis refuses to defend himself in court, taking full responsibility to shield Sue Ann. He is sentenced to life in prison, a consequence he accepts in part to distance himself from her. The verdict marks the collapse of their relationship and his withdrawal from her influence.

Sue Ann betrays Dennis, allowing him to take the fall while she continues with her life relatively unscathed. The betrayal solidifies the power imbalance in their relationship and reinforces her pattern of manipulation. She moves on, undeterred by the consequences faced by Dennis.

Dennis asks his skeptical parole officer Azenauer to 'see what Sue Ann is up to' rather than reveal the full truth. He hopes the officer will expose her behavior, while remaining quiet himself. Azenauer remains cautious but curious about Sue Ann's real nature.

In the final scene, Sue Ann meets a young man and laments that those who took her in after her mother's death won't let her stay out late. It is implied she will manipulate him just as she did Dennis. Dennis's parole officer is watching as she departs with her latest target, signaling ongoing danger.