Rope

Brandon Shaw and Phillip Morgan, two highly intelligent young men, grow restless and decide to commit the 'perfect murder' of their former classmate, David Kentley. In their New York City apartment, they execute the chilling act as Phillip tightens a rope around David’s neck while Brandon holds him down, marking the start of their macabre experiment.

After murdering David, Brandon and Phillip carefully conceal his body within a large antique wooden chest. This gruesome act sets the stage for their sinister dinner party as they prepare to play host without their guests knowing the dark secret hidden right under their noses.

With the body concealed, Brandon and Phillip begin their preparations for a seemingly innocent dinner party. Brandon makes the chilling decision to use the chest as a buffet table, indicating a twisted sense of normalcy in the face of their heinous crime.

As the guests arrive, an unsuspecting crowd gathers, including David's fiancée Janet and her former lover Kenneth, alongside David’s distressed father Mr. Kentley and his talkative aunt Mrs. Atwater. Their ignorance of the crime creates a chilling atmosphere as Brandon prepares to orchestrate the night’s events.

During the dinner, Brandon subtly references David's absence while expertly steering conversations towards murder. His calm demeanor contrasts sharply with Phillip's growing anxiety, driven by the presence of their former housemaster Rupert, whose teachings on superiority loom heavily over the evening.

As the night wears on, the guests start expressing concern over David’s absence, leading to a rise in tension. Brandon pushes the boundaries of comfort, playing matchmaker between Janet and Kenneth while disguising his own guilt behind feigned innocence.

The atmosphere grows increasingly tense with an urgent phone call from David's mother, heightening emotions and prompting some guests to leave. The worry of David’s prolonged absence weighs heavily on everyone, revealing cracks in Brandon and Phillip’s facade.

Mrs. Wilson, the housekeeper, inadvertently hands Rupert David's hat, further escalating his suspicions about the evening's events. As the game of manipulation continues, Phillip's frazzled state begins to exhibit signs of unraveling under the pressure of the situation.

After the party ends, Rupert returns to the apartment claiming he forgot his cigarette case. His inquiries become increasingly scrutinous, pushing Brandon and Phillip to the edge as they brace for the potential unmasking of their grim secret.

A chaotic struggle ensues between Phillip and Brandon over a gun, culminating in a shot that grazes Rupert. The shock of the event leads to an inevitable revelation, thrusting Phillip and Brandon's carefully constructed world into disarray as secrets may finally be uncovered.

Rupert discovers the hidden body of David inside the chest, leading to a moment of horror and confrontation. The moral implications of Brandon and Phillip's actions hit home for Rupert, who grapples with the dangerous ideology he once endorsed.

Faced with the stark reality of their crime, Rupert denounces the dangerous philosophies of superiority and dominance he once taught Brandon and Phillip. Overwhelmed by regret and guilt, he fires shots out the window to alert the authorities, seeking to take responsibility for the monstrous act.

As sirens wail in the distance, Rupert contemplates the burden of guilt while Brandon nonchalantly pours himself a drink. The facade of control gives way to reality, leaving the characters in a moment of bittersweet waiting as they face the impending consequences of their actions.

In a somber conclusion, Phillip sits at the piano and begins to play one last time, creating a haunting melody that underscores the tragic turn of events. As the screen fades to black, the weight of their choices lingers, marking the end of a harrowing exploration of intellect misapplied.