The Devil You Know

Zoe Hughes, an aspiring actress, is laser-focused on her ambitions in the highly competitive entertainment industry. She strives to achieve the level of success her mother, Kathryn Vale, once enjoyed as a beloved film star, complicating their relationship with rivalry and emotional tension.

The relationship between Zoe and Kathryn deteriorates further when Kathryn storms into Zoe's dressing room. In a fit of critique, she harshly assesses her daughter’s performance, escalating the pre-existing emotional rift between them.

Later that evening, Zoe watches her mother during a television interview promoting her new memoir, *Behind the Vale*. The conversation hints at the mysterious murder of Kathryn's husband a decade earlier, revealing the complexities surrounding her retreat from acting.

Though Kathryn claims to focus on Zoe's rising career, it becomes apparent that she harbors deeper desires for a comeback in acting. Her agent warns her about the potential backlash stemming from the unresolved murder case, but Kathryn remains determined.

While navigating her own insecurities and doubts as an actress, Zoe starts to discern her mother's ulterior motives. This realization begins to strain their already fragile relationship, complicating Zoe's own journey to independence.

At a lavish cocktail party, Zoe observes Kathryn in an intimate conversation with a mysterious stranger. This moment deepens her suspicion that her mother is scheming for a return to the industry, adding to the tension of their dynamic.

The mounting pressure on Zoe culminates during a critical screen test where she becomes distracted by her mother's potential comeback. This pivotal moment highlights Zoe's struggle to break free from her mother's shadow.

Zoe and Kathryn's dinner conversations become a battleground for veiled insults as their rivalry intensifies. Zoe attempts to assert herself, challenging the legacy of her mother's stardom while grappling with her own growing insecurities.

Speculation regarding Kathryn's involvement in her husband's murder resurfaces, further straining the mother-daughter relationship. The looming threat of Kathryn's complicated past complicates Zoe's journey to forge her own identity as an actress.

Desperate for a sense of control, Zoe invites Jake, Kathryn's new partner, to a private meeting. This bold move infuriates Kathryn, leading to an explosive confrontation when she unexpectedly arrives uninvited.

The chaotic encounter exposes long-buried revelations about their family's history. As accusations fly, Zoe confronts Kathryn about the mysterious black cards that read 'MURDERER,' which have haunted Kathryn for some time.

The atmosphere thickens as dark secrets from the past emerge during the confrontation between mother and daughter. The fragility of their relationship stands on the brink as they navigate the complex emotions surrounding ambition and family loyalty.