Malice 1993

A young college coed sets off for home after a day at school, pedaling her bike with anticipation. Once she arrives, she lovingly calls out to her cat, eager to share a meal together. However, she quickly notices her feline friend cowering under a table, emitting a low growl. Just as she approaches to comfort the trembling creature, an unknown assailant emerges from the shadows, launching a brutal attack on her.

The scene sharply shifts to college professor Andy Safian and Detective Dana Harris at the hospital, dissecting the lingering issues surrounding campus security. Meanwhile, new surgeon Jed Hill at St. Agnes hospital works tirelessly to save the injured woman, even after being told, > “We’re going to lose her.” His efforts yield success, but in a tense moment in the locker room, he confronts a colleague, warning him that next time he expresses such doubt, he’ll pay dearly in a rather unorthodox manner—by using an ice cream scoop.

In a heartfelt moment away from the chaos, Andy visits his wife, Tracy Kessinger, during her workday. They share a brief conversation in the elevator, which is interrupted by Dr. Hill and another colleague. They invite the couple to a welcoming reception for Jed, but they politely decline. As they stroll along the street, their conversation takes a turn towards the costs of renovation in their Victorian home. The thought of renting their third floor to a tenant is met with Andy’s staunch refusal, and he warns Tracy to be extra cautious while commuting, given the terrifying news of a maniac on the loose.

Upon arriving home, Andy witnesses Tracy getting out of the car with a man who sweetly kisses her on the cheek. Confused, he recalls Tracy mentioning she was coming home with a woman. Tracy quickly dismisses his suspicions, claiming the man is merely a lawyer managing affairs related to her late mother’s estate. Later, as they indulge in Chinese takeout in bed, the evening takes a turn toward intimacy, only to be disrupted by the silhouette of their neighbor’s son watching them from his house. Tracy nonchalantly brushes it off, assuming he may just be lonely with his mother working nights.

The following morning, Andy’s quiet routine is interrupted when Jed unexpectedly shows up at his home. Their conversation is friendly, and Jed seizes the opportunity to ask Andy out for a drink. During their outing, Andy unwittingly divulges that Tracy has been struggling with fertility issues and their consultations with Dr. Lillianfield. Jed, presumably aware of the gravity of the situation, offers the comfort of camaraderie.

When Andy returns home, he suggests that Jed move in to occupy the third-floor apartment, a proposition Tracy is initially reluctant about, dismissing it as an attempt for Andy to reconnect with his high school glory days. However, after discovering that Andy disclosed her concerns to Jed, she concedes, and the stage is set for a complex web of relationships to unfold.

Detective Harris emerges again while Andy is busy with a patient, Paula Bell, requesting an update on the status of the assault investigations. Meanwhile, Tracy plans a bath, but her pain escalates, culminating in an alarming situation when Jed unexpectedly checks on her and they share an intense moment, all while Andy is oblivious to the brewing storm.

Later, the narrative darkens as Andy’s patient Paula is found dead in her own backyard, a grim reminder of the predator lurking in their midst. Detective Harris seeks Andy’s viewpoint and gathers details surrounding Paula, strengthening the case against the elusive rapist terrorizing the campus. Struggling with her loss, Andy is haunted by the thought of campus safety, yearning for resolution.

As the days progress, a clear division surfaces among the characters. Tracy’s medical emergency sends ripples through everyone’s lives. When Jed is tasked with overseeing her surgery, Andy is left grappling with fear for Tracy’s safety. The surgery results in painful news, revealing Tracy’s unplanned pregnancy and subsequent miscarriage. This revelation spirals into a sequence of events that threaten to unravel the marriage as Tracy decides to sue Jed for his questionable judgment, further deepening the rift between Andy and Tracy.

Through intense deposition exchanges, Jed displays his arrogance with stunning candor, highlighting his complex persona and culminating in a dramatic courtroom scene where his “God complex” becomes evident. As tensions rise within their marriage and secrets begin to surface, the strength of loyalty and betrayal comes to the forefront, manifested in Tracy’s furious actions against Jed.

Ultimately, the story ripples with tension, betrayal, and a desire for revenge. As Andy probes deeper into the labyrinth of deceit surrounding his wife and her entanglements with Jed, shocking discoveries await at every corner.

Through a whirlwind of confrontations and revelations, the narrative builds to a riveting climax, leading to an explosive resolution involving police involvement and the ultimate fate of Tracy. The film concludes with a fusion of tragedy and closure, leaving Andy facing a complex future shaped by love, loss, and the haunting shadows of the past.