Perfect Stranger 2007
Directed by
James Foley
Made by
Columbia Pictures
Plot Summary
Under the pseudonym David Shane, reporter Rowena Price and her partner, researcher Miles Haley, delve into a scandal involving Senator Stephen Sachs, who is secretly engaging in sexual relationships with male interns while publicly denouncing homosexuality. Unfortunately, their investigation hits a brick wall when the whistleblower retracts their statement, leaving Rowena frustrated. The situation worsens when Rowena’s editor, who is also a supporter of Sachs, halts the story and insists that Rowena take a vacation.
While heading home, Rowena encounters her childhood friend Grace Clayton, who seeks assistance in exposing Harrison Hill, portrayed by Bruce Willis, a wealthy advertising executive. Grace entrusts Rowena with emails that serve as proof of an affair with Hill, which he has just ended. The plot thickens when Grace is later found dead, under suspicious circumstances—drowned and poisoned with belladonna, a potent toxin often associated with witchcraft. This prompts Rowena to suspect Harrison’s involvement. The investigation is led by Lieutenant Karen Tejada, who engages with Grace’s mother and allows Rowena, a close friend of the deceased, to share her insights.
As the investigation unfolds, Rowena learns that Grace was aware of Rowena’s true identity behind the pen name David Shane, a secret Rowena has protected fervently. During this time, Rowena also questions Miles about his past relationship with Grace, unearthing more connections that complicate the situation. They discover Grace’s emails containing explicit correspondence, yet the true identity of ADEX, whom she was communicating with, remains ambiguous.
As if amidst a tangled web of lies and hidden motives, it is revealed that Grace was pregnant, raising further questions about the potential father. Rowena decides to infiltrate Harrison’s company, H2A, under the alias Katherine Pogue, with Miles assisting her. During her undercover assignment, she learns that Harrison’s wealth largely stems from his wife, Mia, suggesting that his affairs are rooted in financial secrecy. Rowena attempts to seduce Hill, both online and offline, yet fails to realize that the individual she communicates with online is actually Miles, who is infatuated with her.
Things take a dark turn when Rowena is caught snooping by Hill and subsequently fired, which causes a series of decisions that lead her further down a murky path. Tensions escalate as it becomes clear that Cameron, Rowena’s ex-boyfriend, may have had a recent encounter with Grace, leaving the paternity of the unborn child in question.
Eventually, Rowena confronts Miles after stumbling upon a disturbing shrine dedicated to her, alongside explicit evidence of his relationship with Grace. The made-for-TV plot thickens with Miles revealing Rowena’s potential motivations behind the crime. As he outlines her possible involvement in Grace’s murder, Rowena’s buried trauma resurfaces, unveiling a tragic past.
In a climactic twist, rather than succumbing to his revelations, Rowena resorts to violence, killing Miles and repurposing the narrative to make it seem as though he attacked her. As she calls the police, the ambiguity of truth and deceit hangs heavily in the air, punctuated by a mysterious figure who witnesses the unfolding events.
Timeline
Rowena's investigation begins
Under the alias David Shane, reporter Rowena Price and her research partner Miles Haley investigate a scandal involving Senator Stephen Sachs, who publicly denounces homosexuality while secretly engaging in relationships with male interns. Their tenacity is evident as they navigate the complexities of journalistic ethics and the risks of exposing such a powerful figure.
The whistleblower retracts
The investigation takes a frustrating turn when their key whistleblower retracts their statement, leaving Rowena and Miles disheartened. This setback not only hampers their progress but also puts Rowena's credibility and career in jeopardy.
Rowena's vacation
Rowena's editor, who supports Senator Sachs, halts the investigation and forces her to take a vacation. This decision infuriates Rowena, as she feels her pursuit of the truth is being unjustly stifled.
Meeting with Grace
On her way home, Rowena runs into her childhood friend Grace Clayton, who seeks help in exposing advertising executive Harrison Hill. Grace provides Rowena with vital emails that implicate Hill in an affair, deepening Rowena's resolve to uncover corruption.
Grace's suspicious death
Tragedy strikes when Grace is discovered dead, having been drowned and poisoned with belladonna. Rowena becomes suspicious of Harrison Hill's involvement, believing there is more to Grace's death than meets the eye.
Investigation by Lieutenant Tejada
Lieutenant Karen Tejada takes charge of the investigation into Grace's death, allowing Rowena to share her insights as a close friend. This collaboration leads to greater revelations about the web of deceit surrounding Grace's life and death.
Secrets revealed
As the investigation unfolds, Rowena discovers that Grace was aware of her secret identity as David Shane. This revelation complicates Rowena's emotions and leads her to question the dynamics of her relationship with Miles and Grace.
Infiltrating Harrison's company
Rowena decides to go undercover at Harrison's firm, H2A, adopting the alias Katherine Pogue with Miles’s support. During her infiltration, she learns that Harrison's wealth is tied to his wife, which raises questions about his motives.
Complicated emotions
Rowena attempts to seduce Harrison Hill, not realizing that her online interactions are actually with Miles, who harbors feelings for her. This miscommunication intensifies the tensions within their partnership as loyalties are tested.
Confrontation with Hill
The situation escalates when Rowena is caught snooping by Harrison Hill, resulting in her dismissal from the company. This event marks a significant turning point, pushing Rowena deeper into a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
Paternity questions arise
Tensions rise as Cameron, Rowena’s ex-boyfriend, is suspected of having an encounter with Grace, casting further doubt on the paternity of Grace's unborn child. This revelation complicates Rowena's quest for justice and intertwines her personal life with the investigation.
Discovery of Miles's shrine
Rowena uncovers a disturbing shrine dedicated to her, revealing Miles's troubling obsession with her and his previous relationship with Grace. This shocking discovery turns the investigation on its head, adding layers of betrayal to their friendship.
Violent confrontation
During a heated confrontation, Rowena resorts to violence, killing Miles after he reveals dark truths about her potential involvement in Grace's murder. This chilling act signals a dramatic turn in Rowena’s moral compass and her capacity for violence.
Reconstruction of the narrative
Following Miles's death, Rowena cleverly reconstructs the events to portray herself as the victim, claiming he attacked her. This attempt to manipulate the narrative highlights her descent into a morally grey area, blurring the lines between truth and deception.
Mysterious witness
As Rowena calls the police, a mysterious figure witnesses the unfolding events, leaving the audience questioning the reliability of her version of the story. This final twist plays into the themes of truth and the consequences of deception.
Characters
Rowena Price (Halle Berry)
Rowena Price is a determined reporter driven by a desire to uncover the truth, even when it threatens her own safety. With an alias to protect her identity, she navigates a complex web of relationships, revealing both her strengths and vulnerabilities. As she delves deeper into her investigation, her past traumas resurface, complicating her journey.
Miles Haley (Giovanni Ribisi)
Miles Haley serves as Rowena's partner and researcher, yet his infatuation with her clouds his judgment. His hidden connections to Grace complicate their partnership, showcasing loyalty but also jealousy. The revelation of his true intentions adds layers to his character, leading to a dramatic climax.
Harrison Hill (Bruce Willis)
Harrison Hill is a wealthy advertising executive shrouded in mystery and scandal. His charm conceals darker intentions, making him a compelling antagonist in the narrative. As Rowena's investigation progresses, it becomes evident that his connections to the case are more sinister than initially thought.
Setting
Time period
The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues such as scandal, deceit, and the blurred lines between personal and professional lives. It dives into themes that resonate with current events, particularly in the political realm and the challenges faced by individuals within the media landscape.
Location
Harrison's Company H2A, Rowena's Home, Various Locations
Harrison's Company, H2A, is a wealthy advertising firm known for its influential ties and financial secrecy. The investigation unfolds in various locations, including Rowena's home, where she reflects on her investigation and confrontations with personal demons. The urban setting provides a backdrop of intrigue, mystery, and the complexities of relationships.
Themes
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Investigation
The theme of investigation runs deep throughout the film, as Rowena Price seeks to uncover hidden truths. The narrative is rife with deceit and betrayal, showcasing the lengths to which individuals will go for the pursuit of justice and truth. It highlights the challenges faced by reporters in dealing with powerful figures and the consequences of exposing hidden scandals.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a significant theme as Rowena navigates complex relationships with those around her. The loss of trust not only complicates her investigation but also leads to shocking revelations about friendships and loyalties. As personal motivations intertwine with professional ambitions, the emotional toll becomes evident.
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Violence
Violence emerges as a climax to the intense psychological struggles faced by Rowena. The act of killing Miles reflects her desperation and the consequences of her choices. It emphasizes the darker aspects of human nature when confronted with overwhelming truth and unresolved trauma.
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