Directed by
David Schmoeller
Made by
AVCO Embassy Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of The Seduction (1982). 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.
From an upper window, a man portrays Los Angeles, California, capturing photos of Channel 6’s television news anchor, Jamie Douglas, as she takes a nude swim in her backyard pool. Her reporter boyfriend, Brandon, soon joins her in the water, but Jamie chooses to get out and answer a phone call from a voyeur who admits he enjoys observing her. As she hangs up, he keenly admires his collection of photographs showcasing Jamie adorning the walls of his room.
The following day at the news station, Jamie receives a bouquet from a mysterious admirer named Derek. Meanwhile, the voyeur, Derek, eagerly reviews the photos of Jamie in his professional photography lab. While Jamie delivers the evening news, Derek calls her office, leaving a message that her colleague, Bobby, delivers, yet she insists she has no idea who he is.
In the meantime, Derek takes his co-worker, Julie, out for dinner, revealing his past infatuation with a college art teacher he never had the courage to approach. Although Julie invites him to a movie, Derek claims to be in a relationship with someone else.
Later, in her dressing room, Jamie listens to a message from Derek introducing himself. He persistently calls back, insisting on meeting for dinner, but she declines. Instead, she reaches out to her actress friend, Robin Dunlap, to arrange a gathering. At Robin’s house, Derek inundates Jamie with phone calls. When she returns home for dinner with Brandon, she finds the house dark and empty, relieved to discover her boyfriend in the bathroom.
The next morning, Derek appears at the station, offering Jamie a box of candy to apologize for alarming her. Gratefully, Jamie accepts, while Derek secretly slashes Brandon’s car tires in the parking lot. After work, Derek stealthily follows Jamie home, barging into her house and snapping countless photos as she screams in terror. When Brandon arrives and confronts Derek, Jamie decides to request a restraining order from Captain “Max” Maxwell. To her dismay, Max informs her that Derek’s actions do not constitute a crime.
Simultaneously, Derek seeks Robin’s help in securing a date with Jamie during his visit to her dressing room. Distracted by Derek, Robin takes Jamie shopping the next day, where they spot a silver, heart-shaped music box but ultimately decide against purchasing it. Moments later, Jamie mistakenly believes to see Derek buying the same box, leading her to check her home answering machine, which carries a message from Derek. After she hangs up, she accidentally encounters Derek who surprises her with the same music box, only for Jamie to shatter it on the ground before onlookers.
At the office, Brandon consults with pop psychologist, Dr. Weston, about Derek’s likely instability and obsession. Max suggests Brandon invest in a firearm instead of engaging him. During a gym session, Jamie tells Robin about her plan to move in with Brandon, yet Derek breaks into her house, grabs the broken music box, and showers, putting a photo of Jamie behind the shattered glass. Upon her return, Jamie discovers the remnants of the music box and Derek’s looming presence in her closet as she bathes.
When he reveals himself, she bolts for the front door, coincidentally finding Brandon nearby. Meanwhile, Derek sneaks away out the window with the music box in hand. Not long after, Julie arrives at Derek’s place with a packet of photographs, confessing her feelings for him, but he dismisses her, pretending to be engaged.
That night, Jamie, refusing to be intimidated by Derek, assures Brandon she is unfazed. However, when Derek calls, Brandon grabs a rifle with the intent to confront him. In a chilling twist, Derek places an engagement ring within the music box. Brandon’s efforts to involve Max results in frustration over the ongoing situation.
At the television station, Jamie and Bobby review a tape of her news report, discovering Derek lurking ominously in the background. As Bobby consoles her, Derek, lurking in the shadows, stealthily types a threatening message for Jamie on the teleprompter, claiming, > “Jamie, I’m watching you. And Jamie… if I can’t have you, no one can! Love you always, Derek.” Overwhelmed with fear, Jamie breaks down and walks off camera.
Later, Brandon reassures her that Max has agreed to investigate Derek, suggesting a calming evening in the hot tub. As he prepares snacks, Max calls with updates, confirming Derek’s identity, while Jamie and Brandon are unexpectedly interrupted.
In an intense scene, as they share a moment, Brandon suddenly faces a gruesome fate when Derek appears, stabbing him with the cheese knife before burying him in the yard. Feeling trapped, Jamie desperately contacts the police, only to be met with busy signals. When she tries calling Derek again, he enters her bedroom, prompting her to shoot at him in self-defense, which he narrowly escapes. Following this chaotic confrontation, Julie visits Derek, bringing news about police inquiries, creating increasing tension.
Max’s visit to Derek forces him to confront Jamie’s dangers, yet Derek is determined to keep his watchful eye on her. The climactic confrontation unfolds when he attempts to overpower Jamie, who manipulates the situation by pretending to welcome him. As Derek slips into confusion, Jamie seizes the opportunity to turn the tide against him. Just as he tries to attack, Julie intervenes, fatally shooting Derek with the rifle in a rush of unexpected courage.
Track the key events of The Seduction (1982) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
The Initial Encounter
From an upper window, a voyeur captures photos of Jamie Douglas, a Channel 6 news anchor, swimming nude in her backyard pool. While her boyfriend, Brandon, joins her in the water, Jamie is interrupted by a phone call from a mysterious observer who enjoys watching her.
The Bouquet
The next day at the news station, Jamie receives a beautiful bouquet from an admirer named Derek, who has been secretly photographing her. Meanwhile, Derek reviews his collection of photos in his lab, deepening his obsession with Jamie.
Mysterious Phone Call
While delivering the evening news, Jamie receives a call from Derek, who introduces himself. When her colleague Bobby hands her the message, Jamie claims she does not know him, illustrating the growing tension between her and her admirer.
Dinner with a Friend
Derek takes his co-worker, Julie, out for dinner where he talks about an unfulfilled crush on a college art teacher. Despite Julie's invitation to a movie, he insists he is in a relationship, indicating the inner conflict he faces regarding his feelings for Jamie.
Persistent Pursuit
In her dressing room, Jamie listens to multiple messages from Derek as he insists on dinner. She continues to reject him and reaches out to her friend Robin to distract herself from Derek’s advances, but he continues to intrude on her life.
The Visit at the Station
Derek shows up at the station, offering Jamie a box of candy to apologize for his previous behavior. Meanwhile, he secretly sabotages Brandon's car, manifesting his obsessive nature and increasing the danger present in Jamie's life.
Breaking and Entering
Derek goes a step further and breaks into Jamie’s home, capturing photos of her in distress while she screams in terror. The confrontation escalates when Brandon arrives, leading Jamie to decide she needs a restraining order against Derek.
Shopping Trip
While shopping with Robin, Jamie spots a silver, heart-shaped music box that she feels drawn to but ultimately decides against purchasing. Later, she becomes alarmed when she thinks she sees Derek buying the same box, indicating his constant surveillance.
Danger Escalates
Brandon consults with a psychologist about Derek’s unstable behavior. The situation intensifies as Jamie shares her plans to move in with Brandon, but Derek is seen breaking into her house, showcasing his desperation and obsession.
Threatening Message
At the television station, Jamie discovers Derek dangerously lurking behind her during a news report. This forces her to confront her fears, but it escalates when Derek types a threatening message on the teleprompter, revealing his malicious intent.
Confrontation and Violence
As Jamie and Brandon attempt to enjoy a relaxing evening, Derek's violent tendencies come to a head when he stabs Brandon. This chilling event leaves Jamie feeling helpless and desperate to escape from Derek’s control.
Chaos and Gunfire
In a frantic attempt to save herself, Jamie shoots at Derek when he breaks into her bedroom. Their chaotic confrontation emphasizes the peril she faces, as she learns the depth of Derek's obsession and violent behavior.
Julie’s Intervention
Julie arrives at Derek's place, hoping to confess her feelings for him, but is met with his devious manipulation. As she brings news of police inquiries, the tension builds, highlighting how far Derek has fallen into madness.
The Climax
When Derek attempts to overpower Jamie in a climactic showdown, she cleverly pretends to welcome him, buying herself time to counter his aggressiveness. With a rush of unexpected courage, Julie intervenes and fatally shoots Derek, turning the tide of despair.
Meet the characters that bring The Seduction (1982) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Jamie Douglas (Morgan Fairchild)
Jamie is a strong-willed television news anchor who becomes the target of a disturbing obsession. Initially poised and professional, she is forced to confront her vulnerabilities as Derek's fixation intensifies. Jamie's character arc, from victim to empowered survivor, showcases her resilience and determination to reclaim her life.
Derek (Andrew Stevens)
Derek is depicted as a deeply troubled individual whose obsession with Jamie drives him to extreme measures. Initially appearing charismatic, his true nature reveals a dangerous and unstable psyche, highlighting the darker side of obsession and voyeurism. His relentless pursuit showcases the destructive impact of unchecked desires.
Brandon (Michael Sarrazin)
Brandon is Jamie's boyfriend who strives to protect her from Derek's escalating harassment. He embodies the archetypal supportive partner but becomes entangled in the dangers posed by Derek. His character highlights the difficulties of addressing threats in a modern world, ultimately leading him to confront his own fears and vulnerabilities.
Robin Dunlap (Colleen Camp)
Robin serves as Jamie's confidante and supportive friend, helping her navigate the psychological tumult caused by Derek's obsession. With her light-hearted demeanor, she provides a contrast to the film's darker themes, illustrating the importance of friendship during tumultuous times. Robin's character represents loyalty and empowerment in facing adversity.
Uncover the settings of The Seduction (1982), 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
Contemporary
The events of the movie take place in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues regarding privacy, celebrity culture, and the influence of technology. As the story unfolds, it highlights how these elements can blur the lines between admiration and obsession, leading to terrifying consequences.
Location
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, known for its sunny weather and vibrant entertainment industry, serves as the backdrop for this suspense-filled narrative. The city's sprawling neighborhoods and iconic landmarks are key elements that contribute to the glamorous yet perilous life of a television news anchor. It's a place where fame and vigilance intertwine in unexpected ways.
Explore the core themes of The Seduction (1982). 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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Obsession
Obsession is a central theme in 'The Seduction', exemplified by Derek's relentless pursuit of Jamie. His fixation blurs the lines between admiration and danger, illustrating how obsession can drive individuals to extreme and destructive behavior. The film explores the psychological complexities of desire and the dangers it can unleash.
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Voyeurism
The theme of voyeurism runs deeply throughout the film, showcasing the consequences of watching someone without their knowledge. Jamie's experiences with Derek highlight how voyeurism can lead to a severe violation of personal space and security. This theme stresses the duality of curiosity and danger, emphasizing the risks involved in the age of social media and instant access.
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Survival
Survival becomes a visceral theme as Jamie grapples with the escalating threat posed by Derek. Her journey from being a passive victim to actively defending herself underscores the film's commentary on empowerment in the face of danger. Jamie’s transformation illustrates the instinctive need to survive when one’s life and autonomy are at stake.
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