Dangerous Lies

Dangerous Lies 2020

Runtime

96 min

Language

English

English

Directed by

Michael Scott

Michael Scott

Made by

Netflix

Netflix

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Plot Summary


In the vibrant heart of Chicago, we find Katie Franklin (Camila Mendes), who is caught in a web of duty as a waitress at a local diner, and her yearning for romance with her husband, Adam Kettner (Jesse Usher). Adam’s ambitions are equally demanding, as he juggles his studies and corporate aspirations. The few intimate moments they share are filled with promises of a brighter future, as Adam vows to provide for Katie in the way she truly deserves. However, their bliss is abruptly shattered when they unexpectedly witness a dramatic robbery at the diner. In a heroic twist, Adam boldly intervenes, wielding a frying pan to foil the thief’s plans. Though justice is served with the robber behind bars, Adam’s newfound fame does little to ease Katie’s growing burden of responsibilities.

Fast forward four months, and Katie has exchanged her diner apron for a caretaker’s uniform, now tending to Leonard Wellsley (Elliott Gould), a compassionate elder inhabiting a regal estate. In contrast, Adam has reluctantly set aside his studies, turning his focus to job hunting—a pursuit fraught with rejection and burgeoning debts. The strain on Katie is palpable, and as she confides her frustrations to Adam, he reassures her that he will remedy their financial plight. Still, an undercurrent of anxiety persists within her, haunted by the memories of the robbery and feeling unheard by Adam.

In search of comfort amid the chaos, Katie often retreats to Leonard’s estate, sharing her marital struggles and financial fears with the wise old man. Observing Katie’s plight, Leonard graciously offers Adam a chance to tend to his expansive lawn—a glimmer of hope for their troubled finances. Everything takes a turn when the real estate agent, Mickey Hayden (Cam Gigandet), shows up with news of a buyer interested in Leonard’s property. Katie, navigating the complexities of her situation, sensitively assures Mickey that she will communicate Leonard’s intentions before he departs. As her mind races with worries from home and work, she is left questioning what the future holds.

Just when Katie thinks relief is on the horizon, she receives an unexpected visit from Mr. Calvern, a representative from the caretaker agency, along with Leonard. As they commend Katie for her diligent work, she confronts a bewildering twist upon receiving her next paycheck—a generous sum bestowed upon her by Leonard, seemingly out of compassion for her hardships. Despite her hesitance, Adam persuades her to cash the check, assuring her they will pay off their debts and write a compensatory note to Leonard for the surplus. Meanwhile, Hayden lurks in the shadows, observing the couple with a calculating gaze.

The following day, Katie’s visit to Leonard’s estate turns tragic when she discovers his lifeless body in the attic, the silence echoing the finality of death. Comforting each other through the grief, Adam stumbles upon a mysterious unlocked chest containing a plethora of vintage photographs and a hidden cache of wealth. Piecing it all together, he concludes that Leonard had likely intended for Katie to inherit this wealth, placing her in a moral dilemma about whether to accept it or let it fade away. Both Katie and Adam resolve to claim the money, realizing its potential to elevate their lives.

With Detective Chesler (Sasha Alexander) arriving to investigate Leonard’s death, the apparent simplicity of the case soon unravels. Eager for a new assignment despite Adam’s worries, Katie soon discovers that the police investigation must conclude before she can be reassigned. When Adam boldly heads to Leonard’s home to retrieve their new fortune, he is hit with unexpected violence, awakening to find Katie warning him to exercise caution. As he reveals the staggering sum of nearly one hundred thousand dollars, they grapple with the implications of this unforeseen windfall.

As the couple works to comprehend the ramifications of their inheritance, they sense an ominous shadow looming—a potential danger may be lurking nearby, prompting them to secure their newfound wealth in a safety deposit box. Meanwhile, Hayden continues to orbit their lives, a menacing figure concealed in the background.

With tensions heightening, a tragic truth surfaces: Leonard’s death leaves no family or will to cover his funeral expenses. Stepping up despite her personal turmoil, Katie takes on the responsibility, promising to cover the costs. At the funeral, she unexpectedly encounters Julia Byron-Kim (Jamie Chung), Leonard’s attorney, who reveals a shocking development. Leonard had reached out to her weeks prior, instructing her to manage his estate, leaving everything to Katie according to his will. This revelation throws Katie and Adam into disarray as they grapple with the weight of their new reality.

As they begin settling into Leonard’s former residence, Adam’s focus shifts toward extravagant pursuits, while Katie strives to rein him in. Their harmony is soon disrupted when police officers arrive to interrogate Adam about the diner robbery, only to find no official record of his involvement. A chance encounter with Detective Chesler reveals unsettling connections that only deepen the mystery surrounding Adam’s past.

As the couple discovers that their newfound stability is unraveling, a menacing confrontation with Hayden forces Katie to confront her own strength. As Adam stands firm in his resolve to protect her home, their bond is tested against external pressures. In the midst of their struggles, Detective Chesler continues her investigation, unveiling secrets hidden in the shadows, intensifying the perilous web surrounding them.

Katie is thrust into a whirlwind of confrontations that challenge her trust in Adam, culminating in a desperate plea for clarity amid a chaotic existence. As the investigation draws nearer, the intricacies of their situation pull Katie deeper into a treacherous path where trust, love, and ambition intersect tumultuously.

In a turning point of their lives, Katie’s instincts urge her to reach out to Detective Chesler, but the precarious balance of power leaves her hesitant. The unraveling secrets lead to wild encounters fraught with tension as Katie confronts not only her spouse but the lingering shadows of their intertwined destinies.

As events spiral out of control, the truth concerning the inherited diamonds and their tragic consequences dawns upon Katie. Shrouded in deception and greed, they find themselves amid a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game, their lives hanging in the balance as the past continues to catch up with them.

The harrowing tale concludes with a sense of bittersweet resilience; Katie, now pregnant and coming into her own, tends to her garden while memories of chaos remain. When Detective Chesler returns with news of Adam being cleared of suspicion, the truth about the diamonds lies hidden below the surface, a testament to the trials they’ve endured. As she turns on the sprinklers, the earth reveals the long-lost treasures, glimmering like beacons of hope in their tumultuous journey.

Timeline


Katie's Life as a Diner Waitress

In the bustling city of Chicago, Katie Franklin struggles to balance her demanding job as a waitress with her dreams of romance and a better life with her husband, Adam. The couple shares fleeting moments of intimacy, filled with promises of a brighter future, yet their reality often feels overwhelming.

Chicago

Robbery at the Diner

A dramatic turn of events occurs when Katie and Adam witness a robbery at the diner where Katie works. In a moment of bravery, Adam intervenes with a frying pan, successfully thwarting the thief's plans and gaining unexpected fame, but leaving Katie burdened with new challenges.

Local Diner, Chicago

Katie Becomes a Caretaker

Four months later, Katie has transitioned from her diner job to becoming a caretaker for Leonard Wellsley, an elderly man living in an opulent estate. This new role brings a sense of hope, but also amplifies her worries about her financial struggles and Adam’s lack of direction.

Four months later Leonard's Estate

Struggles and Unanswered Questions

As Adam attempts to find a job amid growing debts, Katie confides in him about her mounting frustrations. Despite his reassurances, Katie feels increasingly isolated, haunted by the memories of the robbery and overwhelmed by their financial instability.

Leonard's Kind Gesture

During her visits, Katie shares her troubles with Leonard, who compassionately offers Adam a chance to help maintain his expansive lawn, presenting a potential solution to their money issues. However, the challenges of discussing finances remain prevalent as Katie navigates her role in Leonard's life.

Leonard's Estate

Unexpected Check from Leonard

Katie receives an unexpected visit from a representative of the caretaker agency, along with Leonard, to commend her on her diligent work. Upon receiving her next paycheck, which is significantly more than anticipated, Adam insists on cashing it despite Katie's hesitance, leading to questions about Leonard's generosity.

Leonard's Sudden Passing

Tragedy strikes when Katie discovers Leonard's lifeless body in the attic of his estate. This heartbreaking loss is compounded when Adam finds a mysterious chest filled with vintage photographs and a hidden cache of wealth, leading to moral dilemmas regarding their potential inheritance.

Leonard's Estate

Detective Chesler's Investigation

With the arrival of Detective Chesler to investigate Leonard's death, Katie and Adam experience a feeling of unease as the simplicity of the case becomes complicated. The couple tries to protect their newfound wealth while dealing with the emotional fallout from Leonard's death.

Feeling the Pressure of Inheritance

As Katie and Adam wrestle with the implications of their inheritance, they sense potential danger lurking nearby, compelling them to secure the cash in a safety deposit box. The shadow of Mickey Hayden's watchful presence adds to their anxiety as they navigate this newfound reality.

Funeral and Shocking Will Revelation

Katie faces the difficult task of arranging Leonard's funeral, which unveils a shocking revelation when Julia Byron-Kim, Leonard's attorney, informs her of the will that leaves everything to Katie. This unexpected news catalyzes a mix of emotions for Katie and Adam as they reconsider their future.

Funeral Home

Police Interrogation and Past Secrets

Amidst settling into Leonard's former residence, Adam finds himself the target of a police interrogation regarding the diner robbery. The encounter reveals unsettling ties to Adam's past, deepening the couple's existing worries and testing the strength of their relationship.

Confrontation with Hayden

In a critical moment, Katie confronts Mickey Hayden, who embodies a looming threat in their lives. As tensions increase, both Katie and Adam are forced to redefine their approach to protecting their home and each other in the face of mounting external pressures.

Trust Tested and Truth Unraveled

Katie's trust in Adam is tested as she navigates a chaotic existence filled with confrontations. As she contemplates reaching out to Detective Chesler for assistance, she is torn between her instincts and her fears about the precarious situation they find themselves in.

The Shocking Truth Emerges

As the investigation intensifies, the truth regarding the inherited diamonds and the associated dangers comes to light. Faced with deception and the realities of greed, Katie and Adam must navigate a high-stakes game as they seek to secure their future.

Bittersweet Resolution

In the end, Katie emerges stronger and more resilient, tending to her garden pregnant while navigating the memories of turmoil they've faced. With news of Adam being cleared of suspicion, they cautiously step toward a new beginning, aware that secrets still linger beneath the surface.

Characters


Katie Franklin

Katie is a determined and caring individual who juggles multiple responsibilities and financial issues. Her journey showcases her resilience and ability to confront personal and moral dilemmas, especially as she navigates her relationship with Adam while grappling with stress and loss.

👩‍⚕️ Caretaker 💔 Love 💪 Resilience

Adam Kettner

Adam is an ambitious young man caught between his dreams and the weight of responsibility. His evolution throughout the story highlights his desire to support Katie, but also reveals vulnerability and impulsiveness that complicate their lives.

👨‍🎓 Ambitious 💔 Love 🏃‍♂️ Protector

Leonard Wellsley

Leonard serves as a wise elder whose legacy becomes a pivotal force driving the plot. His character embodies compassion and the complexities of life, shaping Katie's choices while leaving behind a substantial moral dilemma.

👴 Mentor 💎 Wealth ⚖️ Morality

Mickey Hayden

Mickey is introduced as the real estate agent with a mysterious presence, hinting at deeper motives. His character brings tension into Katie and Adam's lives, serving as a catalyst for the unfolding drama surrounding their newfound fortune.

🏢 Real Estate 🕵️‍♂️ Suspicion 🌪️ Chaos

Detective Chesler

Detective Chesler is an assertive investigator tasked with unraveling the mystery of Leonard’s death. Her presence escalates the tension as she navigates the complexities of the case, revealing connections that pose further challenges for Katie and Adam.

🕵️‍♀️ Detective 🔬 Investigation ⚠️ Peril

Setting


Time period

The movie does not specify a particular time period but focuses on contemporary issues, reflecting modern struggles in relationships, financial challenges, and moral dilemmas. The unfolding events represent the zeitgeist of current societal pressures faced by young couples.

Location

Chicago

Chicago serves as the vibrant backdrop for 'Dangerous Lies', known for its rich culture and bustling urban life. The city contrasts with the serene yet regal estate of Leonard Wellsley, where profound events unfold. This juxtaposition highlights the struggle between ambition in a lively city and the quiet complexities of life within a grand estate.

🏙️ City 🏡 Estate

Themes


💔

Love & Sacrifice

At the core of the story is the theme of love intertwined with sacrifice, as Katie navigates her duties as a caretaker while yearning for stability and affection from Adam. Their relationship is tested through financial strains and moral complexities, showcasing how love can endure even amid adversity.

💰

Greed & Consequences

The unexpected inheritance of wealth leads to a moral quandary, illustrating how greed can provoke dangerous situations. This theme highlights the fine line between survival and ethics, ultimately leading Katie and Adam into a perilous struggle for their future.

🔍

Mystery & Investigation

A strong undercurrent of mystery propels the narrative as Detective Chesler investigates Leonard's death and the implications of the couple's newfound fortune. This theme introduces tension and foreboding, as secrets unfold and threaten to unravel Katie and Adam's lives.

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