A Fall from Grace

A Fall from Grace 2020

Runtime

120 min

Language

English

English

Made by

Netflix

Netflix

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for A Fall from Grace (2020). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


Jasmine Bryant, portrayed by Bresha Webb, is a dedicated public defender in a small Virginia town who often resorts to plea deals. Her husband, Jordan, played by Matthew Law, struggles with the aftermath of a traumatic case where a victim tragically jumped to her death. When Jasmine’s boss Rory, portrayed by Tyler Perry, assigns her a challenging case involving Grace Waters, represented by Crystal Fox, things take a turn. Grace has been accused of murdering her husband, Shannon DeLong, played by Mehcad Brooks, and insists on accepting a plea deal if it means being near her son, Malcolm, portrayed by Walter Fauntleroy.

Jasmine faces numerous complications, not the least of which is the fact that Shannon’s body is missing. Rory is apprehensive about Jasmine taking the case due to budget constraints and a media frenzy surrounding the trial. Grace’s best friend, Sarah Miller, played by Phylicia Rashad, reveals that Grace was devastated by her divorce and had been encouraged to meet new people, ultimately leading her to Shannon. As Jasmine investigates further alongside her colleagues, Tilsa and Donnie, she comes to believe in Grace’s innocence.

Grace recounts her charming romance with Shannon, beginning at an art gallery where they met. However, after a swift marriage, Shannon’s behavior turns abusive and secretive; he steals from Grace’s accounts and forges her mortgage documents. The tension escalates when Grace discovers Shannon in bed with another woman. In a fit of rage, she confronts him, leading to a physical altercation. Following this, Grace calls Sarah, claiming she has killed her husband.

During the trial, Jasmine struggles significantly, and when she calls Sarah as a witness, it backfires spectacularly when phone records show numerous conversations on the night in question. The shocking revelation comes when Sarah admits that Grace confessed to her about the murder, resulting in a guilty verdict for Grace.

In an unexpected twist, Jasmine learns about a dark secret at the elderly women’s residence where Sarah lives, discovering that they’ve been locked away and that Sarah is trying to escape. Jasmine finds herself in grave danger as she is kidnapped. Meanwhile, Jordan uncovers Sarah’s criminal background and desperately searches for his wife. Jordan confronts Sarah, leading to a violent encounter with Shannon, who is ultimately shot.

As the police intervene to rescue the imprisoned elderly women, a shocking connection is made: Sarah and Shannon are actually Betty and Maurice Mills, a mother-son duo with a long history of conning vulnerable women and stealing their identities. Grace is given another chance in court, where Jasmine successfully presents new evidence that exposes the extent of Betty and Maurice’s criminal schemes, which ultimately leads to Grace’s freedom. The atmosphere of celebration contrasts sharply with the knowledge that Betty is still on the run and has now infiltrated yet another family in a nursing home.

Jasmine’s relentless pursuit for justice not only sets Grace free but also uncovers a tangled web of deceit that reaches far beyond her original case.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of A Fall from Grace (2020) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Introduction of Jasmine Bryant

Jasmine Bryant, a dedicated public defender in a small Virginia town, routinely resorts to plea deals for her cases. She is depicted as a passionate lawyer who is committed to her clients despite the challenges she faces in her profession.

Virginia town

Jordan's Trauma

Jasmine's husband, Jordan, is struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic case where a victim jumped to her death. This incident creates emotional distance between them as Jordan grapples with his feelings of inadequacy and grief.

Assignment of Grace Waters' Case

Jasmine's boss, Rory, assigns her a high-stakes case involving Grace Waters, who is accused of murdering her husband, Shannon DeLong. The assignment raises concerns due to media attention and tight budget constraints that worry Rory.

Grace's Plea Deal

Grace Waters insists on accepting a plea deal to stay near her son, Malcolm, during her legal troubles. This decision highlights her desperation and her emotional ties to her family amidst a dire situation.

Discovery of the Missing Body

As Jasmine begins her investigation, she faces the major complication of Shannon's missing body. This missing evidence complicates the case significantly, adding pressure to Jasmine as she seeks to prove Grace's innocence.

Grace's Past with Shannon

Grace recounts her charming romance with Shannon, which began at an art gallery. However, their relationship quickly deteriorates as Shannon reveals abusive behavior that leaves Grace feeling trapped and betrayed.

Art gallery

Confrontation with Shannon

The tension escalates when Grace finds Shannon in bed with another woman, leading to a volatile confrontation. This moment is pivotal, sparking the events that cause Grace to call her friend Sarah, claiming she has killed her husband.

Trial Begins

During the trial, Jasmine faces numerous challenges as she calls Sarah as a witness. The situation takes a turn for the worse when phone records reveal numerous conversations between Sarah and Grace on the night of the murder.

Courtroom

Sarah's Shocking Testimony

In a surprising twist, Sarah admits that Grace had confessed to her about the murder. This admission leads to a guilty verdict for Grace, placing Jasmine in a difficult position as she fights to reclaim her client's innocence.

Jasmine's Discovery

Jasmine uncovers a dark secret at the elderly women's residence where Sarah lives. This revelation leads to her kidnapping, adding urgency to Jordan's search for his wife as he races against time to save her.

Elderly women's residence

Jordan's Investigation

While Jasmine is in peril, Jordan discovers Sarah's criminal background. His determination to understand the truth drives him to confront Sarah, ultimately leading to a violent showdown involving Shannon.

Rescue Operation

As the police intervene to rescue the imprisoned elderly women, the truth about Sarah and Shannon is revealed. They are actually a mother-son duo who preyed on vulnerable women, unraveling a larger conspiracy.

Grace's Retrial

Grace is given another chance in court after Jasmine presents significant new evidence against Betty and Maurice Mills. This evidence exposes their extensive criminal activities and leads to Grace's ultimate exoneration.

Celebration of Justice

Following Grace's acquittal, there is an atmosphere of celebration among Jasmine and her supporters. However, the fear remains as Betty escapes, leaving uncertainty about her future actions and potential threats.

Jasmine's Pursuit of Justice

Jasmine's relentless pursuit for justice not only sets Grace free but also unveils a complicated web of deceit. Her journey highlights the personal and professional challenges faced in the quest for truth and justice.

Characters

Explore all characters from A Fall from Grace (2020). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Jasmine Bryant

Jasmine is a dedicated public defender who is determined to find justice for her client, despite numerous challenges. She embodies resilience and integrity, willing to confront difficult truths and navigate the complexities of the legal world. Throughout the film, her character evolves from a plea-deal specialist to a fierce advocate for truth.

👩‍⚖️ Lawyer 💪 Resilience 🔎 Investigator

Grace Waters

Grace is a multifaceted character who transitions from a devastated victim to a woman fighting for her freedom. Her tragic experiences and the abusive dynamics in her marriage highlight the toll of manipulation and betrayal. Her journey is central to the narrative as she faces both the legal system and her personal demons.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Abuse Survivor 💔 Divorcee ⚖️ Accused

Sarah Miller

Sarah is a pivotal character whose actions reveal deeper plots and ultimately complicate Jasmine's case. Initially portrayed as a supportive friend, her complex backstory and hidden motives introduce an intriguing twist. Her character embodies betrayal and the psychological impacts of a lifetime of deceit.

👭 Best Friend 😈 Manipulative 📜 Concealed Past

Setting

Learn where and when A Fall from Grace (2020) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

The events of the movie unfold in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues such as domestic abuse, criminal justice, and the depths of human deception. The characters navigate a world where past trauma and current challenges shape their lives and decisions.

Location

Virginia

The movie takes place in a small town in Virginia, known for its tight-knit community and local judicial system. The town's court serves as the backdrop for the unfolding legal drama, where personal and societal struggles intersect.

🌳 Small Town ⚖️ Courtroom

Themes

Discover the main themes in A Fall from Grace (2020). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


⚖️

Justice

The theme of justice runs prominently throughout the movie as Jasmine fights to prove Grace's innocence. The narrative explores the complexities of the legal system and the impact of wrongful accusations on lives. It demonstrates the importance of diligence and integrity in the pursuit of truth.

💔

Betrayal

Betrayal is depicted through the personal relationships in the story, especially in Grace's marriage to Shannon. The emotional turmoil caused by infidelity and deceit highlights how trust can be shattered, leading to grave consequences. The revelations about Sarah and Shannon's true identities further deepens this theme.

🔍

Investigation

The investigation theme is critical as Jasmine uncovers layers of deception that complicate her case. The meticulous uncovering of evidence showcases the importance of perseverance in seeking the truth. It illustrates the lengths some will go to hide their wrongdoings and how crucial it is to expose them.

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