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Plot Summary


Aileen Wuornos, a seasoned sex worker, encounters Selby in a lively bar in Daytona Beach. Selby, who is somewhat self-centered, instantly forms a bond with Aileen, appreciating her willingness to cater to her every need. At a roller rink, Aileen showcases her knack for recognizing men’s unusual sexual desires, leading to a thrilling skating session that deepens their connection. As feelings intensify, they decide to share a motel room, solidifying their commitment to each other.

In her desperate search for cash, Aileen hits the roads. However, a harrowing encounter occurs when a client takes her into the woods, viciously assaulting her. In a fight for her life, Aileen manages to seize her gun and kills the attacker, igniting a newfound sense of power within her. Pledging to end her life in prostitution, she seeks legitimate employment but faces numerous challenges due to her lack of qualifications and volatile temperament, often leading to explosive outbursts during interviews. Selby, on the other hand, is increasingly demanding, requiring money for basic needs, while also longing for a stable home and vacations.

Ultimately, Aileen finds herself drawn back into her former life. However, her outlook has shifted; no longer merely a victim, she now stalks her clients, targeting them for their money and vehicles, justifying her violent actions as revenge against rapists and killers. The revelation of Aileen’s true nature strains her relationship with Selby, creating a significant divide between the couple.

Their paths diverge when Aileen gets arrested. While in prison, she has one last conversation with Selby, only to discover that Selby is cooperating with the authorities. In a desperate attempt to shield Selby, Aileen claims sole responsibility for the murders. During Aileen’s trial, Selby testifies against her, but not without Aileen’s heartbreaking consent. Ultimately, Aileen Wuornos is convicted, sentenced to death, and executed by the state of Florida.

Timeline


Aileen Meets Selby

Aileen Wuornos, a seasoned sex worker, meets Selby at a lively bar in Daytona Beach. Their first encounter sparks an immediate connection, with Selby drawn to Aileen’s willingness to please her and give her attention.

Daytona Beach

Bonding at the Roller Rink

As their relationship develops, Aileen takes Selby to a roller rink, where she impresses her with her ability to read men's unique sexual desires. The thrilling skating session serves to deepen their emotional connection and strengthen their bond.

Roller Rink

Sharing a Motel Room

In a significant step for their relationship, Aileen and Selby decide to share a motel room. This choice symbolizes their commitment to one another, as they navigate their feelings and hopes for the future together.

Aileen's Desperate Search for Cash

Faced with financial struggles, Aileen embarks on a desperate search for cash, hitting the roads in her pursuit. However, this search leads her to dangerous situations as she continues to engage in sex work.

Harrowing Assault in the Woods

During one of her encounters, Aileen is assaulted by a client who takes her into the woods. In a traumatic fight for her life, she manages to access her gun and kills her attacker, which ignites a disturbing sense of power within her.

Woods

Pledge to Leave Prostitution

After the traumatic incident, Aileen vows to leave her life of prostitution behind. She struggles to find legitimate employment, but her lack of qualifications and explosive temper create significant obstacles during job interviews.

Growing Demands from Selby

As time goes on, Selby grows increasingly demanding, seeking money for basic needs and dreaming of a stable life together. This added pressure heightens their tensions as Aileen feels compelled to meet these expectations amidst her struggles.

Return to a Violent Life

Ultimately, Aileen is drawn back into her former life of crime and prostitution. However, her outlook has shifted dramatically as she begins to stalk her clients, targeting them for money and personal revenge against those she perceives as threatening.

Strain on Aileen and Selby's Relationship

Aileen’s violent actions and her emerging darker nature create a rift between her and Selby. The revelation of Aileen’s true character leads to significant strain as Selby grapples with the reality of the woman she loves.

Aileen's Arrest

Aileen's life of violence eventually catches up with her when she is arrested. This turn of events begins to unravel the lives and plans of both Aileen and Selby.

Final Conversation in Prison

While incarcerated, Aileen manages to have one last conversation with Selby. In a moment of deep emotional turmoil, Aileen discovers that Selby is cooperating with the authorities, further complicating their already strained relationship.

Prison

Claiming Sole Responsibility

In a desperate attempt to protect Selby, Aileen claims sole responsibility for the murders she committed. This act of love comes at a significant emotional cost to her as she faces the consequences of her actions.

Selby's Testimony

During Aileen's trial, Selby testifies against her, which adds to the emotional turbulence of the proceedings. Despite the heartbreak involved, Aileen grants her consent for Selby to speak, showcasing the depths of their complex relationship.

Court

Conviction and Sentencing

Ultimately, Aileen Wuornos is convicted of murder and sentenced to death. This marks a tragic end to her tumultuous life, leaving behind a legacy of violence and desperation.

Execution

Aileen Wuornos is executed by the state of Florida, closing the chapter on her life of crime and survival. Her execution serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by individuals in desperate circumstances.

Florida

Characters


Aileen Wuornos (Charlize Theron)

Aileen is a complex character shaped by hardship and trauma. As a seasoned sex worker, she grapples with feelings of powerlessness that evolve into a fierce survival instinct, leading her to commit violence. Her relationship with Selby reveals her longing for love, yet her turbulent past creates insurmountable conflict.

👩‍🎤 Prostitute 🔫 Survivor 😢 Tragic

Selby (Christina Ricci)

Selby initially appears as Aileen's ray of hope but soon becomes emblematic of the superficiality and dependency that affects their relationship. While she offers affection, her growing demands strain their connection, showcasing her self-centered nature. Selby's requests ultimately lead to heartbreak as the truth about Aileen's actions unfolds.

❤️ Love Interest 💔 Dependent 😟 Manipulative

Setting


Time period

The movie does not specify a distinct time period, instead focusing on contemporary social issues faced by marginalized individuals. The circumstances surrounding Aileen Wuornos highlight the societal struggles and prevalent challenges of the time, reflecting ongoing issues with violence and exploitation.

Location

Daytona Beach, Motels, Roller Rink

Daytona Beach is known for its vibrant nightlife and beach culture, making it a hub for various social interactions. The roller rink serves as a setting for joy and connection, showcasing the lighter moments amid darker themes. Motels represent transient living and often signify the struggles faced by individuals in search of stability.

🏖️ Beach 🏨 Motel 🎢 Entertainment

Themes


💔

Love & Betrayal

The complex bond between Aileen and Selby exposes the duality of love and betrayal. While Aileen seeks intimacy and connection, the dynamics shift as external pressures mount, ultimately leading to heartbreak and lost trust. Their relationship illustrates how love can sometimes blind one to betrayal and selfishness.

⚖️

Justice

The theme of justice weaves through Aileen's journey, raising questions about morality and consequence. Her violent actions, seen as both a means of survival and revenge, challenge the audience's understanding of what constitutes justice. Aileen's trial encapsulates the systemic failures of the legal system faced by marginalized individuals.

🌪️

Desperation

Desperation is a driving force behind Aileen's choices throughout the film. Her struggle for financial stability leads her back into a life of crime after a brief hope for redemption. This theme encapsulates the lengths individuals may go to in order to escape dire situations.

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