Woman of Desire

Woman of Desire

Year: 1994

Runtime: 97 mins

Language: English

Director: Robert Ginty

ThrillerCrimeDramaMystery

Jack Lynch, a yacht captain, finds himself alone at sea when he is charged with murdering his employer and raping the employer’s wife, Christina Ford. As the case unravels, the truth proves far more complex than it first seemed. Determined to clear his name, Jack enlists seasoned lawyer Walter J. Hill to mount a defense and reveal what really happened.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Woman of Desire yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Woman of Desire (1994)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Woman of Desire (1994). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1950s-1960s

The storyline suggests a mid-20th-century timeframe, characterized by classic yacht culture and the style of investigation and courtroom proceedings typical of that era. The setting's social dynamics and technology imply a period before modern digital evidence.

Location

beach, yacht, mental institution

The movie's events primarily take place in a coastal setting with a notable yacht involved in the central plot. The beach serves as the starting point after Jack Lynch washes ashore following a storm. Later, parts of the story unfold within a mental health facility, highlighting themes of deception and mental health in a confined setting.

🌊 Beach ⚓ Yacht 🏥 Hospital

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:56

Main Characters – Woman of Desire (1994)

Meet the key characters of Woman of Desire (1994), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Walter J. Hill (Robert Mitchum)

A semi-retired lawyer with a keen sense of intuition, Walter plays a pivotal role in uncovering the truth. He exhibits patience, skepticism, and a desire for justice amid a web of lies, acting as a moral compass in the story.

🧠 Detective ⚖️ Lawyer 🕵️‍♂️ Investigator

Jack Lynch (Jeff Fahey)

A ship pilot caught in a dangerous conspiracy, Jack is initially confused and vulnerable, but he demonstrates resilience and a desire for justice as he uncovers the truth behind the accusations against him.

🚢 Pilot 😌 Conflicted 🔫 Suspect

Christina Ford (Bo Derek)

A beautiful and manipulative woman involved in a complex scheme, Christina uses seduction and deception to her advantage. She is charismatic, yet untrustworthy, embodying themes of betrayal and duplicity.

🎭 Manipulative 💃 Seductive 🧠 Cunning

Jonathan Ashby / Ted Ashby (Steven Bauer)

The twin brothers are central to the plot's deception, with Jonathan secretly assuming Ted's identity. Both characters illustrate themes of greed and impersonation, with one embodying wealth and duplicity.

🧬 Twin 💰 Wealth 🎭 Deception

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:56

Major Themes – Woman of Desire (1994)

Explore the central themes of Woman of Desire (1994), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔍 Mystery

Centered around a complex conspiracy involving murder, identity theft, and deception. The plot relies heavily on uncovering truths hidden beneath layers of lies, making it a quintessential mystery thriller that keeps viewers guessing until the climax.

💔 Betrayal

The film explores betrayal on multiple levels, from romantic infidelity to treacherous schemes involving murder and framing. Relationships are manipulated, highlighting themes of distrust and duplicity among characters.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:56

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Cynical Thrillers With Bittersweet Endings Like Woman of Desire

Stories where the truth is uncovered, but the guilty still prosper.Explore movies like Woman of Desire where the plot unravels a dark conspiracy, but the ending leaves a bitter taste. These crime and mystery stories focus on the unsettling feeling when villains escape consequences, offering a similar cynical and morally complex viewing experience.

cynicalunsettlingmorally complexbittersweettensedeceptive

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves an innocent protagonist, often framed or targeted, navigating a web of deception. They methodically gather evidence to prove their innocence, but the climax reveals that while they may be exonerated, the true manipulators or criminals evade punishment, subverting expectations of a clean, happy ending.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared dark tone, morally ambiguous conclusions, and the heavy emotional weight of witnessing injustice prevail. They resonate with viewers who appreciate complex thrillers that don't shy away from bleak, realistic outcomes.

Femme Fatale Thrillers With Manipulative Plots Like Woman of Desire

Narratives centered on a cunning woman who ensnares others in her schemes.If you liked the manipulative conspiracy in Woman of Desire, discover similar thrillers and crime dramas featuring a cunning femme fatale. These movies are suspenseful and dark, exploring themes of betrayal and identity through complex, deceptive narratives driven by a central female antagonist.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative is driven by the actions of a femme fatale whose true motives are hidden behind a facade. She manipulates those around her, often a male protagonist, into a dangerous situation like a murder frame-up or a financial scam. The story unfolds as her web of deception is slowly and tension-filledly pulled apart.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific character archetype and plot structure that creates a distinct vibe of suspense and psychological manipulation. They are united by a dark tone, complex narratives, and the central role of a deceptive female character in driving the conflict.

Unlock the Full Story of Woman of Desire

Don't stop at just watching — explore Woman of Desire in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Woman of Desire is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Woman of Desire Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Woman of Desire, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Woman of Desire Summary

Woman of Desire Timeline

Track the full timeline of Woman of Desire with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Woman of Desire Timeline

Woman of Desire Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Woman of Desire that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Woman of Desire Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Woman of Desire

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Woman of Desire: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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