Special Effects

Andrea Wilcox leaves her husband Keefe and their toddler in Dallas, seeking a new life in New York. Keefe tracks her down to the city and closes in on her movements. The separation sets the stage for a bitter, violent arc that follows.

Keefe locates Andrea in New York City at a nude modelling shoot, chases her into the street, and forcibly bundles her into his car. They drive back to Andrea's apartment where he confronts her with footage of their son to intimidate her. The incident marks a brutal clash that shatters any chance of an easy reconciliation.

Andrea seeks shelter at the home of Christopher Neville, a film director who has promised her a role. Neville is a disgruntled filmmaker who has recently returned to New York from Los Angeles after his last film was canceled over budget disputes.

Neville murders Andrea in a heated confrontation as she pleads for her life. The act is committed on camera, with a hidden device recording the crime, turning the room into a chilling evidence reel.

Andrea's body is found in Coney Island, and the police immediately suspect Keefe, arresting him on suspicion of murder. The case becomes public quickly, casting a dark shadow over both families.

Neville befriends Keefe by securing him a lawyer and proposing a film project based on Andrea's life. He claims to have witnessed Keefe's arrest and becomes fascinated by their story, persuading Keefe to serve as technical advisor.

Keefe meets Elaine Bernstein at a Salvation Army, where she resembles Andrea. Neville casts Elaine as Andrea in his film, deepening Keefe's entanglement.

During production, Neville strangles Leon Gruskin, a snarky film lab assistant, to death. He then dines with Elaine to solidify her contract.

As filming progresses, Keefe becomes upset when the actor portraying him reveals he had sex with Andrea. He assaults the actor on set.

Elaine visits Keefe, and the pair become intimate. Neville decides to fire the actor and cast Keefe in the film, playing himself in the project.

Keefe uncovers Neville's film reel containing Andrea's murder and attempts to view it with Elaine. Neville arrives and damages the negatives, preventing them from seeing the footage.

Det. Delroy is shown a recently shot love scene between Keefe and Elaine, suggesting a motive for spousal murder and signaling an imminent arrest. The director uses this to pressure the investigation.

Neville warns Keefe to come to his house; Keefe and Elaine arrive. A struggle ensues as Neville attacks with scissors; Keefe throws him into a balcony fountain, and Elaine inadvertently electrocuts him when she restores power.

Keefe and Elaine reach the airport, intending to board a flight to Dallas. Elaine plans to assume Andrea's identity for the sake of Andrea's son and a fresh start.