Sleeping with the Enemy

Laura Burney and Martin live on Cape Cod, and their life appears idyllic only on the surface. Behind Martin's charming exterior lies physical, emotional, and sexual abuse that marks their nearly four-year marriage. The pattern is punctuated by apologies and gifts after violent episodes, a cycle Laura endures in silence.

Martin accepts an invitation from a neighbor doctor for an evening sail, despite Laura's fear of water and inability to swim. As a severe storm erupts, the three struggle to control the vessel. The dangerous weather intensifies Laura's peril and isolation.

During the storm, Laura is swept overboard as Martin and the doctor fight to keep the boat afloat. A lengthy Coast Guard search follows, but Laura's body is never found. She is presumed dead from drowning, leaving Martin inconsolable.

Unbeknownst to Martin, Laura survives by swimming ashore and returning home. She shaves her hair, wears a wig, and flushes her wedding ring, taking her stash and belongings to head toward a new life. She leaves from Cape Cod and heads to a nearby bus station.

Laura relocates to Cedar Falls, Iowa, adopting the alias Sara Waters. She rents a house and finds a job, starting a quiet new life away from her past. A neighbor, Ben Woodward, notices her but remains wary of her secrets.

Ben Woodward, a young drama teacher, is drawn to Sara but senses a murky past. They share an agreeable date, but a kiss turns more physical, and Laura resists, insisting on keeping her past hidden. She later confides that she escaped an abusive marriage.

Martin discovers Laura had taken swim lessons, suggesting she did not drown. He finds Laura's wedding ring in the toilet, confirming she is alive. He travels to Iowa to uncover her whereabouts and discovers Ben.

Martin visits Chloe's nursing home, posing as a detective, while Laura, disguised as a man, is also there. He learns that Chloe's nephew has just visited, and Laura narrowly avoids being seen. The close encounter foreshadows their impending confrontation.

Martin tracks Laura and Ben to her Cedar Falls house and breaks in while they are outside. He also stalks them during their date at a local carnival, leaving small clues that reveal his obsessive need for control. The pursuit escalates toward a final confrontation.

When Laura returns home, Ben smashes the door down to subdue Martin. Martin aims his gun at Ben, but Laura distracts him by kneeing him in the groin. The struggle intensifies as danger closes in on Laura.

Laura grabs Martin's gun and holds him at gunpoint, then calls the police. She declares that she has killed an intruder and shoots Martin three times in the chest. A wounded Martin collapses as Ben and Laura embrace, waiting for the arriving authorities.

With Martin dead and the danger behind her, Laura begins a tentative new life with Ben. They await the police and begin to heal, recognizing both the relief of escape and the cost it exacted.