The Beta Test

A troubled woman places a call to 911, reporting a domestic dispute, and subsequently confesses to her husband about a recent invitation she received for a clandestine sexual encounter, which she ultimately accepted. Realizing her unhappiness with their marriage, she asks for a separation, leading to her husband committing murder with a knife.

In this turmoil, we meet Jordan Hines, portrayed by Jim Cummings, a charismatic Hollywood agent who is juggling constant work pressures and is five years sober. As his wedding to Caroline (Virginia Newcomb) approaches in just six weeks, Jordan finds his focus diverted by alluring women. One day, he receives a mysterious purple envelope from an anonymous admirer, inviting him to a no-strings-attached intimate encounter. Initially, he discards the letter, only to later retrieve it from the trash, fill out the details, and send it away.

Following a challenging meeting with a high-profile Chinese client who criticizes his agency’s outdated practices, Jordan receives a second envelope containing a hotel room keycard. He visits the hotel, dons a blindfold, and engages in an exhilarating sexual encounter with another blindfolded partner. This experience sparks an obsession within Jordan as he desperately attempts to uncover the identity of his anonymous lover.

As Jordan digests the implications of the encounter, he learns of a series of tragedies related to similar anonymous invitations. His new client experiences a deadly fate via his wife, while the woman he slept with also meets a grim end. Determined, Jordan tracks the courier carrying these elusive letters while grappling with the evidence of a growing scandal stemming from social media data exploitation.

Meanwhile, his relationship with Caroline deteriorates as his fixation on uncovering the truth deepens. To reconnect, they head to a secluded cabin only for Jordan’s inner turmoil to resurface, despite Caroline’s efforts to reach him. A passionate night ensues, but upon returning, he suspects he recognizes his mystery partner at the wedding planner’s office.

Jordan’s investigation escalates when he impersonates a federal agent, seeking the source behind the purple envelopes. He eventually confronts Johnny (Kevin Changaris), the mastermind behind the letters, who reveals the method of matching individuals through illicit social media snooping. In a shocking twist, Johnny informs Jordan that he never received a crucial third letter, which would demand $5,000 for the woman’s identity.

The climactic moments unfold as Caroline catches Jordan trying to destroy evidence of his infidelity, leading to a heartfelt confession of his frauds—the drinking, smoking, and deception. To his surprise, Caroline forgives him, revealing her own secret regarding the anonymous letters.

In a bid to escape their chaotic lives, Jordan and Caroline head for the border. At a diner, Caroline feels the weight of their predicament as she reads news of more casualties linked to the same anonymous scheme. In an unexpected turn, an attractive waitress flirts with Jordan by writing her number on the bill, leaving their fate hanging precariously as they navigate the perilous road ahead.

Last Updated: November 07, 2024 at 23:02