Wilson, portrayed by Terence Stamp, begins his journey with an urgent plea to a black screen: "Tell me. Tell me. Tell me about Jenny." This stark introduction unveils a man consumed by determination and grief as the iconic tune "The Seeker" by Who sets the tone. We first see him navigating from the airport to a hotel room, his attention diverted to a newspaper article detailing a woman's tragic demise, accompanied by a note addressed to an "Ed Roel" in California.
Upon locating Ed Roel, played by Luis Guzman, Wilson dives into the purpose of his visit. Foregoing pleasantries, he inquires directly whether Ed was involved in his daughter’s death. Ed, puzzled, points out he never claimed anyone murdered her; he merely provided the clipping. Wilson learns that his daughter’s tragic accident left her with a broken neck, saving her from the flames of the crash, which Ed rationalizes could happen to anyone. Wilson, however, remains resolute in his belief that “No. Not my girl. Self control she had. It was a point of pride.” He presses Ed for details about Jenny's associations, particularly a man named Terry Valentine, but Ed claims ignorance.
As the story unfolds, we see Wilson purchasing a firearm from local youths, cutting back through time as he reflects on his daughter. He learns from Ed that Jenny was deeply involved with Terry, a "money guy" now living in a mansion. Ed recalls driving Jenny around, recalling how she braved a dangerous neighborhood seeking out Terry, refusing typical avenues in favor of “some bad place” where men were unloading trucks.
Wilson's investigation leads him to Terry’s lavish estate, where he assiduously surveys and remembers Jenny’s childhood. During a party hosted by Terry, now played by Peter Fonda, Wilson’s presence creates tension, prompting him to confront Ed about his intentions. Despite being urged to keep a low profile, the confrontation escalates as Wilson showcases fits of rage, leading to violent exchanges that capture the chaotic nightlife and shady dealings surrounding Terry.
With each revelation, Ed, Elaine (a friend of Jenny’s played by Lesley Ann Warren), and the DEA involve themselves in a web of betrayal and danger, culminating in a dramatic confrontation at Terry’s hideout where loyalties are tested, and the true nature of Jenny's demise is uncovered. Amidst the mayhem, Wilson reflects on his memories of Jenny while fighting against the shadowy forces that conspired against her.
In a climactic showdown on the rocky beach, Wilson corners Terry, who finally admits to the violent truth of Jenny's death, a confrontation that turns personal as Wilson snarls the haunting lines "Tell me about Jenny." Ultimately, Wilson is left alone with his thoughts of revenge and loss as he boards a plane once more, contemplating freedom and love intertwined with haunting memories of his daughter, as Jenny's mother narrates a tender remembrance of their past.
