The Idol

Marco, a young art student, becomes friendly with Timothy and Sarah. Timothy is dominated by his wealthy mother Carol, who is divorcing and planning to remarry. An undercurrent of Oedipal tension sets the tone as Timothy longs for independence.

Carol's controlling influence over Timothy strains their relationship as she resists his desire to break away. The possibility of true independence is overshadowed by Carol's demands. The tension hints at an impending conflict that will pull the trio in different directions.

Marco secures a studio apartment as a sign of his growing independence and ambition. Timothy pays the first two months' rent, supporting a plan to move in with his friend and switch from medicine to art. The arrangement signals a shift in their lives and in Marco's standing within the circle.

Carol blocks the move to the studio, curbing Timothy's attempt at autonomy. In response, Sarah moves in instead, entangling the trio still further. The household dynamics become more tense and complicated.

At Carol's weekend cottage, Carol discovers Marco and Sarah kissing in Timothy's room and orders Marco to leave the house. The confrontation exposes the fragility of the relationships and Carol's protective aggression. Timothy observes the disruption with mounting unease.

Timothy is pulled into a pub brawl that underscores the volatility around him. Marco intervenes to defend Timothy and brings him home unconscious. Carol responds with warmth toward Marco, moved by his loyalty.

Later at a bar, Marco and Carol dance, revealing the repressed attraction Carol feels toward him. Timothy watches uneasily, sensing the dangerous chemistry between them. The dynamic hints at an impending moral collapse.

On New Year's Eve, Marco arrives at Carol's house to accompany Timothy to a party, only to find Timothy has already left. He seduces Carol and then scorns her in retaliation for the cottage humiliation. He heads to the boat party drunk, accompanied by a streetwalker, and hints to Sarah that he has conquered Carol.

On the boat, Timothy overhears Marco boasting about conquering Carol. He rushes to the deck to confront him, and Marco staggers after him in a woozy panic. The tension between them nears a breaking point.

Marco tumbles into the water and drowns after the confrontation on the deck. Timothy's frantic attempt to save him is in vain, and the tragedy unfolds before bystanders. The incident appears to be driven by the heated provocation and alcohol-fueled chaos.

Police question the circumstances of Marco's death, and Timothy refuses to reveal the trigger of the confrontation. Without Timothy's full cooperation, the authorities conclude that Marco drowned at Timothy's instigation. The truth remains buried under fear and guilt.

Carol arrives during the questioning and reaches out to Timothy, trying to offer support. He coldly turns away as he is led away by the police, severing any memory of warmth between them. The night ends with Timothy isolated and the family bonds broken.