The Beta Test

The Beta Test 2021

Made by

IFC Films

IFC Films

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Plot Summary


A troubled woman places a call to 911, reporting a domestic dispute, and subsequently confesses to her husband about a recent invitation she received for a clandestine sexual encounter, which she ultimately accepted. Realizing her unhappiness with their marriage, she asks for a separation, leading to her husband committing murder with a knife.

In this turmoil, we meet Jordan Hines, portrayed by Jim Cummings, a charismatic Hollywood agent who is juggling constant work pressures and is five years sober. As his wedding to Caroline (Virginia Newcomb) approaches in just six weeks, Jordan finds his focus diverted by alluring women. One day, he receives a mysterious purple envelope from an anonymous admirer, inviting him to a no-strings-attached intimate encounter. Initially, he discards the letter, only to later retrieve it from the trash, fill out the details, and send it away.

Following a challenging meeting with a high-profile Chinese client who criticizes his agency’s outdated practices, Jordan receives a second envelope containing a hotel room keycard. He visits the hotel, dons a blindfold, and engages in an exhilarating sexual encounter with another blindfolded partner. This experience sparks an obsession within Jordan as he desperately attempts to uncover the identity of his anonymous lover.

As Jordan digests the implications of the encounter, he learns of a series of tragedies related to similar anonymous invitations. His new client experiences a deadly fate via his wife, while the woman he slept with also meets a grim end. Determined, Jordan tracks the courier carrying these elusive letters while grappling with the evidence of a growing scandal stemming from social media data exploitation.

Meanwhile, his relationship with Caroline deteriorates as his fixation on uncovering the truth deepens. To reconnect, they head to a secluded cabin only for Jordan’s inner turmoil to resurface, despite Caroline’s efforts to reach him. A passionate night ensues, but upon returning, he suspects he recognizes his mystery partner at the wedding planner’s office.

Jordan’s investigation escalates when he impersonates a federal agent, seeking the source behind the purple envelopes. He eventually confronts Johnny (Kevin Changaris), the mastermind behind the letters, who reveals the method of matching individuals through illicit social media snooping. In a shocking twist, Johnny informs Jordan that he never received a crucial third letter, which would demand $5,000 for the woman’s identity.

The climactic moments unfold as Caroline catches Jordan trying to destroy evidence of his infidelity, leading to a heartfelt confession of his frauds—the drinking, smoking, and deception. To his surprise, Caroline forgives him, revealing her own secret regarding the anonymous letters.

In a bid to escape their chaotic lives, Jordan and Caroline head for the border. At a diner, Caroline feels the weight of their predicament as she reads news of more casualties linked to the same anonymous scheme. In an unexpected turn, an attractive waitress flirts with Jordan by writing her number on the bill, leaving their fate hanging precariously as they navigate the perilous road ahead.

Timeline


Domestic Dispute Reported

A troubled woman calls 911 to report a domestic dispute, marking the beginning of escalating tensions in her life. Later, she confesses to her husband about an invitation for a clandestine encounter that she has accepted, sparking further conflict.

Decision for Separation

Realizing she is unhappy in her marriage, the woman decides to ask for a separation from her husband. This decision becomes a catalyst for serious and tragic events that follow in their lives.

Jordan Hines Introduction

We are introduced to Jordan Hines, a charismatic Hollywood agent portrayed by Jim Cummings. As he prepares for his wedding to Caroline, he faces personal challenges and distracting attractions from alluring women.

The Purple Envelope

Jordan receives a mysterious purple envelope from an anonymous admirer, containing an invitation for an intimate encounter. Initially dismissing it, he later retrieves the envelope from the trash, intrigued by the prospect.

First Intimate Encounter

After a challenging meeting with a high-profile client, Jordan receives a hotel room keycard in another envelope. He visits the hotel and engages in an exhilarating sexual encounter while blindfolded, igniting a consuming obsession for him.

Hotel

Tragedies Unfold

As Jordan grapples with the implications of his encounter, he learns of tragedies linked to similar invitations. His new client faces a perilous fate, and the woman he slept with also meets a grim end, propelling Jordan into a frantic investigation.

Deteriorating Relationship

Jordan's relationship with Caroline begins to deteriorate as he becomes increasingly obsessed with finding out the identity of his anonymous lover. In an attempt to rekindle their romance, they venture to a secluded cabin.

Secluded Cabin

Impersonating a Federal Agent

Determined to uncover the mystery behind the purple envelopes, Jordan impersonates a federal agent. During this investigation, he confronts Johnny, the mastermind who reveals the methods of the anonymous invitations.

Desperate Revelations

In a shocking twist, Johnny tells Jordan that he never received a vital third letter that would demand a payment for the woman’s identity. This revelation adds complexity and urgency to Jordan's quest.

Heartfelt Confession

In a climactic moment, Caroline catches Jordan attempting to destroy evidence related to his infidelity. They share a heartfelt confession about their secrets, revealing deeper vulnerabilities in their relationship.

Escape to the Border

Seeking refuge from their chaotic lives, Jordan and Caroline decide to escape to the border. However, during a stop at a diner, Caroline is struck by the news of more casualties linked to the anonymous letters.

Diner

Flirtation with Consequences

At the diner, an attractive waitress flirts with Jordan by writing her number on the bill. This encounter leaves their future uncertain as they navigate the dangerous implications of their choices.

Diner

Characters


Jordan Hines (Jim Cummings)

Jordan is a charismatic Hollywood agent striving to maintain his sobriety while facing mounting pressures. Throughout the film, his internal conflict intensifies as he becomes embroiled in a web of obsession, infidelity, and deception. His journey reveals a man grappling with temptation and the impact of his choices on the ones he loves.

💼 Agent 🌪️ Troubled 🌱 Sober

Caroline (Virginia Newcomb)

Caroline is Jordan's fiancée, inadvertently caught in his spiral of lies and obsession. Despite her efforts to reconnect with him, she is faced with the revelation of his infidelities and the strain they place on their relationship. Her character represents the pain of betrayal and the struggle for understanding amidst chaos.

💔 Fiancée 😞 Hurt 🤝 Loyal

Johnny (Kevin Changaris)

Johnny is the mastermind behind the mysterious invitations that spark the chaos in Jordan's life. His cunning intelligence leads to a revelation about the dark side of social media exploitation. As he unravels the connection between the victims, Johnny embodies the consequences of modern technology intertwining with human desires.

🕵️‍♂️ Mastermind 💼 Schemer ⚠️ Manipulative

Setting


Time period

Contemporary

The film is set in the contemporary era, where issues such as social media exploitation and infidelity resonate strongly. This time period underscores the complexity of modern relationships, driven by technological interactions and personal turmoil.

Location

Hollywood, a secluded cabin, a hotel

Hollywood is known as the entertainment capital of the world, famous for its film industry and glamorous lifestyle. The story also takes place in a secluded cabin, representing a retreat that offers a temporary escape from reality. Additionally, a hotel serves as the backdrop for clandestine encounters, embodying anonymity and secrets.

🏙️ Hollywood 🏡 Cabin 🏨 Hotel

Themes


💔

Betrayal

Betrayal plays a significant role as characters grapple with infidelity and deception. The protagonist, Jordan, struggles with his loyalty to Caroline while being lured by the thrill of anonymity. This theme highlights the fragility of trust in relationships and the consequences of hidden desires.

🕵️‍♂️

Obsession

Jordan's obsession with uncovering the identity of his mystery partner drives much of the plot. This intense fixation leads him to impersonate federal agents and delve into dark truths, ultimately pushing his personal relationships to the brink. Obsession demonstrates how the quest for truth can spiral into chaos.

🔪

Violence

Violence emerges as a critical aspect of the storyline, culminating in murder linked to the protagonist's actions. The repercussions of infidelity and the darkness within human relationships are explored through tragic events, reminding viewers of the potential consequences behind impromptu decisions.

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