Directed by
Shintaro Shimosawa
Made by
Grindstone Entertainment Group
Discover the intricate plot of Misconduct (2016). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
D’Arthur Denning, played by Hopkins, is the powerful owner of a prominent pharmaceutical company and exerts controlling influence over his girlfriend, Emily Hynes, portrayed by Åkerman. Emily finds herself in a frightening situation, being physically intimidated by Denning’s security team. When she is abducted, Denning receives chilling photos of her bruised face, setting off a harrowing chain of events. He is instructed to attend an art gallery as part of the ransom drop. In a moment of panic, he mistakenly attacks the gallery owner, unaware of his true identity.
Before Emily’s abduction, she discreetly reaches out to her ex-boyfriend, Ben Cahill, played by Duhamel, during a drink where she subtly hints at Denning’s abusive nature and reveals that she possesses incriminating data against him. Back at her apartment, she unearths files from Denning’s laptop exposing his dishonest practices in drug trials. Attempting to manipulate the situation, she tries to seduce Cahill and later persuades an unknown individual to physically assault her to create evidence against Denning.
Cahill, armed with the damning information from Emily, pitches a class action lawsuit to his superior, Charles Abrams, portrayed by Pacino, which later proceeds as a formal case against Denning. Tragedy strikes when Cahill discovers Emily’s lifeless body in her apartment, where a bottle of pills rests ominously in her hand, raising suspicions of foul play masked as suicide. Caught in a moral quagmire, Cahill opts to conceal this from authorities, revealing the grim truth only to his wife.
In a shocking twist, during a preliminary deposition, Denning unexpectedly agrees to settle the lawsuit for a staggering $400 million, with the condition that the stolen documents be returned. Soon after, Emily’s body mysteriously appears in Cahill’s home. Feeling disbelief and fear of being framed, he confronts Denning, who feigns ignorance, taking delight in Cahill’s desperation.
The tensions escalate when a hitman abducts Cahill and his wife, Charlotte, played by Eve. In a struggle for survival, Cahill successfully kills the assailant and discovers documents that unveil an insidious conspiracy: his boss Abrams has been in league with Denning, intentionally sabotaging all cases against the pharmaceutical giant to safeguard him from legal repercussions. The entire settlement scheme was merely a facade to cover up Denning’s criminal activities.
In a desperate bid for justice, Cahill hands over the hitman’s files to the police, leading to Abrams’ arrest. However, just before he is apprehended, Abrams seizes an officer’s weapon and takes his own life in a final act of desperation.
As Cahill prepares for a new chapter in his life by packing for a move, he is struck by a haunting thought when he notices that some of Charlotte’s clothing carries the scent of Emily’s perfume. This revelation provokes a confrontation with Charlotte, who reluctantly reveals that she had a confrontation with Emily, culminating in an unintended accident that led to Emily’s untimely demise. Despite being a nurse, Charlotte chose to stage the scene rather than render aid, leaving Cahill grappling with the tumultuous truth of their intertwined fates.
Track the key events of Misconduct (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Denning's Control Over Emily
D'Arthur Denning, a powerful pharmaceutical owner, exerts significant control over his girlfriend Emily Hynes. Emily finds herself in a frightening situation as Denning's security team physically intimidates her, showcasing the depths of his possessiveness.
Emily's Abduction
Emily is abducted and Denning receives chilling photos of her bruised face. This event triggers a harrowing chain of events that tests Denning's power and commitment to saving her.
Ransom Drop at the Art Gallery
Denning is instructed to attend an art gallery as part of the ransom drop for Emily. In a moment of panic, he mistakenly attacks the gallery owner, mistaking him for a threat, compounding the tense situation.
Emily's Subtle Warning
Before her abduction, Emily discreetly reaches out to her ex-boyfriend Ben Cahill during a drink. She subtly hints at Denning’s abusive nature and reveals that she possesses incriminating data against him, setting the stage for Cahill’s involvement.
Discovering the Truth
Back at her apartment, Emily uncovers files from Denning's laptop exposing his dishonest practices in drug trials. This discovery ultimately leads her to concoct a plan to manipulate circumstances to her advantage.
Cahill's Class Action Lawsuit
Cahill, armed with the incriminating information, pitches a class action lawsuit against Denning to his superior, Charles Abrams. This legal route may offer a glimmer of hope for Emily and other potential victims.
Tragic Discovery
Cahill faces a devastating moment when he discovers Emily’s lifeless body in her apartment with a bottle of pills. The scene raises suspicions of foul play, but Cahill chooses to conceal the truth from the authorities.
Denning's Unusual Settlement Offer
In a shocking deposition, Denning unexpectedly agrees to a $400 million settlement for the lawsuit, under the condition that the stolen documents be returned. This surprising turn raises further doubts about his true motives.
Emily's Body Appears
Cahill is thrown into disbelief when Emily's body mysteriously shows up in his home. This eerie development adds to his growing paranoia about being framed for something he didn't do.
A Desperate Confrontation
Cahill confronts Denning about Emily’s body, but Denning feigns ignorance, appearing pleased by Cahill's desperation. This encounter deepens the psychological tension between them.
Cahill and Charlotte's Abduction
Tensions heighten when a hitman abducts both Cahill and his wife, Charlotte. In a struggle for survival, Cahill manages to kill the assailant and uncover documents revealing a deeper conspiracy.
Exposing the Conspiracy
Cahill discovers that his boss Abrams has been colluding with Denning to sabotage legal cases against him. This revelation unveils the insidious network meant to protect Denning from facing justice.
Police Involvement
In a bid for justice, Cahill reports the hitman's files to the police, leading to the arrest of Abrams. Although justice seems within reach, Abrams takes his own life before facing any repercussions for his actions.
A Haunting Revelation
As Cahill prepares to move, he notices Charlotte's clothing carries the scent of Emily's perfume. This triggers a confrontation where Charlotte reveals her deadly encounter with Emily, leaving Cahill grappling with a devastating truth.
Confronting the Ugly Truth
After learning Charlotte staged the scene instead of helping Emily, Cahill must process the tumultuous reality of their intertwined fates. The burden of truth changes his understanding of loyalty and love forever.
Meet the characters that bring Misconduct (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
D'Arthur Denning
Denning is a powerful and ruthless pharmaceutical mogul who exercises control over those around him. His intimidating presence and manipulative tactics reflect a deeply flawed character driven by ambition and self-preservation. His willingness to resort to violence to protect his interests reveals a dark, cold side.
Emily Hynes
Emily is a complex character caught in a web of manipulation and fear. Her intelligence and resourcefulness drive her to gather evidence against Denning, but her tragic vulnerability ultimately leads to dire consequences. Her quest for justice is marred by her frailty and desperate decisions.
Ben Cahill
Cahill is a determined lawyer who seeks to navigate the murky waters of corruption in the pharmaceutical industry. His moral convictions are tested as he balances personal tragedy with professional obligations. His evolution from a hopeful advocate to a desperate survivor marks a compelling character arc.
Charles Abrams
Abrams is depicted as a cunning superior whose ambition leads him to betray his own principles. His collaboration with Denning reveals a deeper conspiracy that compromises his integrity and career. The dramatic turn of events surrounding his character culminates in his tragic downfall.
Charlotte
Charlotte serves as a conflicted character whose decisions lead to tragic outcomes. Despite her professional background as a nurse, her actions reflect a moral failing that haunts her relationship with Cahill. Her internal struggles expose the darker aspects of human nature and personal failure.
Uncover the settings of Misconduct (2016), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film's events unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern issues in corporate ethics and personal relationships. This time period is marked by legal battles and the complexities of morality in the face of greed. It resonates with current societal concerns regarding the pharmaceutical industry and its impact on individual lives.
Location
Pharmaceutical Company, Art Gallery, Apartment, Cahill's Home
The movie takes place in various locations significant to the narrative. The pharmaceutical company serves as the backdrop for corporate greed and unethical practices, while the art gallery becomes a pivotal site for the ransom drop. The characters' apartments represent their personal lives, filled with secrets and tensions that unfold throughout the story.
Explore the core themes of Misconduct (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Justice
The theme of justice is central to the film as characters navigate the complexities of ethical dilemmas and legal battles. Cahill's journey embodies the fight against corporate misconduct, reflecting the challenges faced when seeking accountability. The struggle for truth is juxtaposed against personal loss, making the pursuit of justice a poignant aspect of the narrative.
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Manipulation
Manipulation pervades the story, illustrated through Denning's controlling behavior and Emily's attempts to wield the incriminating evidence against him. The interactions between characters expose the lengths they will go to for power and survival. The film highlights the often-blurred lines between love, coercion, and betrayal.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a key theme as characters reveal their hidden motives and past connections. The shocking revelations about Charlotte's involvement in Emily's death and the collusion between Abrams and Denning underscore the tragic consequences of betrayal. This theme adds emotional depth, showcasing the fallout of deceit in personal and professional realms.
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