The Other Man

Lisa, a United States shoe designer, is married for 25 years to Peter Ryman in Cambridge. Peter disapproves of their daughter Abigail's boyfriend, George, and avoids discussing the couple's monogamy with Lisa. Lisa makes a subtle attempt to open up the topic, but Peter dismisses it, leaving the issue unresolved.

Lisa dies after a period of illness, shocking Peter and Abigail. Her death becomes the catalyst for the subsequent investigation into her life and relationships. The family begins to piece together clues that hint at a hidden chapter of Lisa's past.

Abigail hands Peter a note with the message 'Lake Como' written inside one of Lisa's shoes. The clue hints at a place of happiness and secrecy that will drive the plot forward. It becomes the first tangible link to Lisa's possible lover and the secret she kept.

Peter discovers a romantic voicemail on Lisa's cell phone and a similar email from 'Ralph' on her computer. There is also a password-protected folder labeled 'Love' that he cannot access at first. The evidence leads him to the belief that Lisa was having an affair.

Convinced of an affair, Peter has an employee illegally trace Ralph's IP address, which reveals a location in Milan. He travels there to confront the man he believes is Lisa's lover. The trip marks a turning point from suspicion to direct pursuit.

In Milan, Peter meets Ralph in a half-Spanish, half-English chess café. Over several meetings, Ralph explains a twelve-year-long affair with Lisa and describes how he fell in love with her. He believes Lisa will soon rekindle their relationship, complicating Peter's emotions.

Back in Milan, Abigail uncovers Ralph's messages and calls Ralph on Lisa's phone to confirm the affair. She confronts Peter, realizing he has become dangerously obsessed. The confrontation makes it clear that his obsession could harm his family.

Driven by anger, Peter goes to Ralph's apartment intending to kill him, but he changes his mind and leaves instead. The moment marks a shift away from violent revenge toward a more complex pursuit of truth and controlled closure. He recognizes that harming Ralph would not bring Lisa back or repair his family.

Peter, posing as Lisa, emails Ralph to meet at Lake Como. The ruse shows how far he is willing to go to test the authenticity of Lisa's supposed love. Ralph, unsettled yet hopeful, eagerly accepts the setup.

Peter funds Ralph to throw Lisa a lavish dinner party in London, aiming to seal the relationship with this illusion of wealth and romance. This financial gesture deepens Ralph's commitment to the illusion that Lisa still exists.

Ralph travels to the Villa d'Este on Lake Como to reunite with Lisa. He is confronted by Peter, who reveals that he is Lisa's husband and that Lisa died of cancer. The revelation shatters Ralph's fantasy and begins a shift in Peter's perspective.

In flashbacks, Lisa is shown at her happiest, and Peter and Abigail discover the note 'Lake Como' hidden in one of the shoes. The scene ties the past to the present, revealing what Lisa valued most and how the clue was protected.

Ralph explains that Lisa knew the truth and paid off his debts, declaring that she truly loved him. Peter, shaken but gaining perspective, decides not to chase revenge and begins to let go of his anger. The revelations reframe Lisa's life as a complex but real longing rather than a simple betrayal.

Back at home, Peter attends the dinner Ralph has arranged and gives a heartfelt toast to Lisa's memory. He reconciles with Abigail and welcomes George into the family, finding closure for himself and his daughter. Ralph, meanwhile, starts a new life in London as a hospital orderly, stepping away from the past.