Brazen 2022

Kathleen, portrayed by Emilie Ullerup, is leading a complex double life as both a drama and English teacher by day and a webcam performer named Desiree at night on an adult website called Fantasy Incorporated. On the surface, her sister, Alyssa Milano, who plays Grace, seems to write novels about the murder of women, but in reality, she emphasizes deeper themes of exploitation, misogyny, and societal neglect aimed at protecting the vulnerable.

As Kathleen navigates a custody battle with her wealthy ex-husband, Jonathan Breezewood, she seeks Grace’s support. Kathleen claims to have discovered documents proving Jonathan’s embezzlement from the family trust, hoping to leverage this evidence in court as his social standing poses a significant threat.

Meanwhile, Grace develops a budding relationship with her neighbor, detective Sam Page, who plays Ed Jennings. However, the joy of their new romance is short-lived; upon returning home, Grace is horrified to find Kathleen’s lifeless body in her bedroom. The authorities, led by Ed, immediately begin an investigation into the grim turn of events.

Ed’s inquiry leads him to Fantasy Inc., where he discovers that Kathleen was known as Desiree, a secret held by only a few within the company. While sifting through Kathleen’s things at her school, Grace encounters a student, Matthew Finlan, who suggests looking into a maintenance worker named Billy Sachs. Confronted by Grace, Billy reveals he was aware of Kathleen’s alternate identity, as his cousin, Richie Gorman, had shown him her videos.

As the investigation heats up, Jonathan is ruled out due to an unshakeable alibi. However, the murder of another webcam performer indicates the arrival of a serial killer. Undeterred by Ed’s reservations, Grace persuades the captain to allow her to assist in solving the case, believing that her insights could prove valuable.

Reviewing footage of the killer attacking the previous victim, the detectives notice the name ‘Desiree’ whispered during the struggle, indicating that Kathleen’s online persona was the target. A bouquet addressed to Desiree is discovered at Kathleen’s funeral, leading them to trace its purchase back to Rand Morgan, one of Kathleen’s students, who has no alibi for the time of the murders.

Eventually, another victim survives long enough to provide a description of her assailant, which prompts the arrest of Rand. Yet, Grace remains suspicious. Her conversations with Billy reveal a connection between Rand and Richie. Rand’s alibi crumbles when it’s discovered that he was with Richie during the murder times but feared coming out to his father.

Determined to catch the killer, Grace devises a risky plan: she will masquerade as the new Desiree to lure the murderer out. The captain reluctantly agrees, and the operation kicks off.

The plot thickens when Ed learns of a confrontation between Rand and Jerald Baxter, another student. Jerald seems to harbor a dangerous obsession with Kathleen, calling her “his Kathleen”—a revelation that forces the team to race back to capture the true threat.

Jerald, who had taken a dark turn upon discovering Kathleen’s online persona, is mentally unhinged. He had developed feelings for Kathleen due to her nurturing nature, which starkly contrasted his overbearing mother. However, once Jerald learned of her dominatrix alter ego, he felt betrayed and sought to exert control over her through violence.

As the police search for Jerald at his home, the true horror unveils itself; he makes his way to Kathleen’s house, unaware he’s being recorded while confessing to his heinous acts. In a life-or-death struggle, Grace and Jerald clash, knocking over a mannequin that hides a gun belonging to Kathleen. With moments to spare, Ed arrives to save Grace, shooting Jerald before he can carry out his twisted intentions.

In a satisfying resolution, Grace and Ed find happiness together, highlighting the themes of love and resilience that run through this intricate narrative, against the backdrop of danger and the quest for justice.