What Is Lipstick About?
The premise of Lipstick in 304 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the sun‑lit world of high‑fashion advertising, a young model balances the glimmer of runway success with the quiet responsibility of caring for the sister she lost her parents with. Chris McCormick lives in a breezy seaside apartment, her days filled with photo shoots that capture the perfect shade of lipstick while evenings are devoted to keeping her sibling grounded amid the pressures of a private Catholic school. The close‑knit bond between the two women is both tender and fragile, a delicate thread stretched across grief and ambition.
The household’s rhythm is interrupted when Gordon Stuart, a charismatic music teacher whose avant‑garde compositions intrigue the younger sister, is invited to share his art in the couple’s modest living space. Steve Edison, Chris’s boyfriend, drifts in and out of the picture, offering a glimpse of a budding romance that could lift Chris beyond the confines of modeling. Beneath the surface of polite conversation, the characters’ dreams and insecurities begin to intersect, hinting at currents that may soon disturb the calm.
Driven by a yearning for justice that borders on obsession, Chris begins to weave a meticulous plan that could unravel the seemingly flawless life of a couple she perceives as unearned. The narrative folds into a psychological thriller, where the glossy veneer of the fashion industry meets the shadowed alleys of manipulation and deceit. As she crafts a web of lies, the tone grows increasingly tense, balancing sensual elegance with a foreboding sense that hidden secrets are poised to surface.
The film’s atmosphere is steeped in contrast—bright, sun‑kissed coastlines against the darkness of inner turmoil, polished campaigns against the raw edges of personal vendetta. With each careful move, the stakes rise, suggesting that the pursuit of retribution may not only endanger the target’s happiness but also threaten to expose the fragile foundations of everyone involved.
What Happens in Lipstick?
The complete story of Lipstick, from the first scene to the last, in 686 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Twenty-one-year-old Chris McCormick (Margaux Hemingway), a prominent model for a lipstick brand, is tasked with caring for her younger sister, Kathy (Mariel Hemingway), after their parents tragically died in a car accident. Together, they live in a shared apartment while Kathy attends a private Catholic school.
Kathy, eager for her sister to experience the avant-garde musical compositions of her charming young music teacher, Gordon Stuart (Chris Sarandon), invites him to one of Chris’s photoshoots by the ocean. However, when the shoot runs longer than expected, Chris misses the opportunity to hear Stuart’s music. They arrange for him to come to their apartment the following day.
The next day, as Gordon arrives, a forgetful Chris greets him right out of the shower, only clad in a robe. Gordon, hopeful that Chris may use her industry connections to foster his musical career, begins playing his compositions on a tape recorder, which intertwine environmental sounds with electronic synthesizers. Unfortunately, Chris is interrupted by a phone call from her boyfriend, Steve Edison (Perry King), prompting her to retreat to her bedroom.
This disturbance infuriates Gordon, leading him to violently confront Chris in her bedroom, where he proceeds to assault her in a grotesque act of aggression. Amidst the chaos, young Kathy unexpectedly returns home from school. Unaware of the horror unfolding, she quietly enters Chris’s room from the connecting balcony, only to inadvertently leave after witnessing a scene that she misinterprets.
Upon realizing Kathy’s presence, Chris pleads with Gordon to let her go. He coldly relishes the notion that Kathy may believe her sister engaged willingly with her favorite teacher. Once freed, a devastated Chris seeks her sister, who, after gaining comprehension of the situation, is horrified.
As the police gather evidence, Chris receives support from a rape-crisis counselor, while Gordon is arrested later that night. A few days later, Chris, Edison, and their priest/brother Martin (John Bennett Perry) consult with district attorney Carla Bondi (Anne Bancroft), who delivers a sobering warning: securing a conviction in such circumstances, especially since she initially invited him over, may prove to be arduous. Despite Edison’s reservations about the potential repercussions on her burgeoning career, Chris is resolute in pursuing justice.
In the courtroom, Gordon’s attorney, Nathan Cartright (played by Robin Gammell), attempts to discredit Chris, even showcasing her provocative modeling photos as evidence of her questionable character. Ultimately, it is Kathy’s testimony that leads to Gordon’s acquittal, as the jury interprets her failure to act during the encounter as a sign of consent.
Determined to return to her modeling career, Chris finds her focus increasingly eludes her, resulting in the suspension of her contract. Meanwhile, Kathy changes schools, fearing the implications of Gordon’s potential reinstatement.
During a crucial photo shoot in an incomplete mall complex, Kathy, feeling disinterested, explores the space and happens upon Gordon, alongside her former classmates, preparing for a dance performance. When her classmates leave, Gordon calls her over to assist him with mixing his composition. As he places a contact microphone on her chest, recording her heartbeat, she suddenly realizes the precarious situation she is in. In a panic, she attempts to flee, but Gordon pursues her, ultimately trapping her in a deserted sub-basement tunnel.
Desperate, Kathy manages to escape back to the photo shoot, visibly distressed and with her clothing in tatters. Initially reluctant to speak, she eventually confides in Chris about Gordon’s attack. Enraged and filled with protective instinct, Chris rushes to retrieve a rifle from her truck and confronts Gordon as he attempts to leave. In a moment fueled by rage and despair, she opens fire, hitting him multiple times, including a fatal shot to his genitals. Even after he falls, Chris continues to fire until the weapon is emptied, trapped in a state of shock over the horrific chain of events.
As the police arrive and apprehend Chris, a solemn reflection unfolds. The camera pulls back to reveal Carla Bondi, who has stepped away from the district attorney’s office to take up Chris’s defense, addressing the jury in her murder trial, emphasizing that true justice hinges on their decision to acquit her of the charges.
Lipstick Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Chris Takes Care of Kathy” to “Carla Bondi's Commitment”. 11 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Chris Takes Care of Kathy
In the wake of their parents' tragic death in a car accident, twenty-one-year-old Chris McCormick becomes the primary guardian for her younger sister, Kathy. They begin their new life together in a shared apartment, striving to adapt to the profound changes in their lives while Kathy pursues her education at a private Catholic school.
- 2
Invitation to the Photoshoot
Eager to introduce Chris to the avant-garde musical world, Kathy invites her charismatic music teacher, Gordon Stuart, to one of Chris's photoshoots at the ocean. However, time slips away, causing Chris to miss the chance to experience Gordon's music live, which leaves Kathy disappointed and longing for her sister's connection with the arts.
Where:Photoshoot location by the ocean
- 3
Awkward First Meeting
The following day, Gordon arrives at Chris and Kathy's apartment, but an unexpected and forgetful Chris greets him only wearing a robe, having just come out of the shower. She is soon interrupted by a phone call from her boyfriend, Steve Edison, leading to an uncomfortable tension as she retreats to her bedroom, leaving Gordon frustrated.
Where:Chris and Kathy's apartment
- 4
The Assault
In a shocking twist, Chris becomes the victim of a violent assault by Gordon when he follows her into her bedroom. This grotesque act occurs just as young Kathy unexpectedly comes home from school, walking into a nightmare she cannot comprehend as she inadvertently witnesses part of the horror unfolding.
Where:Chris's bedroom
- 5
Kathy's Horrified Realization
After the assault, Chris desperately pleads with Gordon to let her go when she realizes that Kathy may have misunderstood the situation. Horrified by the events she barely grasped, Kathy eventually confronts Chris, who is left shattered and helpless in the aftermath of the assault.
- 6
Police and Crisis Support
As the aftermath of the assault unfolds, the police arrive to gather evidence against Gordon. Chris receives support from a rape-crisis counselor, providing her with the solace she needs while facing the unimaginable trauma, as Gordon is arrested later that night.
Where:Chris's apartment
- 7
Consultation with the District Attorney
Days later, Chris, her boyfriend Steve, and her priest Martin meet with district attorney Carla Bondi. She offers a sobering review of their case, warning that due to Chris's prior invitation to Gordon's apartment, securing a conviction would be a challenging endeavor, casting doubt on the pursuit of justice.
Where:District Attorney's office
- 8
Trial and Cross-Examination
During the court trial, Gordon's attorney attempts to discredit Chris by presenting incriminating evidence from her modeling career. His goal is to portray her as a woman of questionable character, but the path to justice becomes increasingly unclear as disturbing details of the encounter surface.
Where:Courtroom
- 9
Kathy's Testimony
Tragically, it is Kathy's testimony that ultimately leads to Gordon's acquittal. The jury misinterprets her inaction during the assault as consent, leaving Chris devastated and highlighting the injustices faced by survivors in the legal system.
Where:Courtroom
- 10
Chris's Career in Jeopardy
After the traumatic events and subsequent court proceedings, Chris struggles to focus on her modeling career due to emotional turmoil. Consequently, her contract is suspended, leaving her to face the harsh realities of her altered life while Kathy changes schools out of fear over Gordon's potential return.
Show the other 5 events of Lipstick Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Kathy's Disturbing Encounter
While visiting an incomplete mall for Chris's photo shoot, Kathy stumbles upon Gordon preparing for a dance performance with former classmates. Unsettled by the unexpected encounter, she feels an involuntary lure toward Gordon's manipulative charm, which rapidly changes to terror as she becomes the target of his predatory intentions.
Where:Incomplete mall complex
- 12
Kathy's Escape and Confession
In a desperate attempt to flee Gordon's grasp, Kathy manages to escape back to the photo shoot visibly distraught and disheveled. Though initially hesitant to confide in Chris, she ultimately reveals the horrifying truth of Gordon's pursuit and aggression, igniting a fierce protective instinct within her sister.
Where:Photo shoot location
- 13
Confrontation with Gordon
Fueled by rage and a desire to protect her sister, Chris resolves to confront Gordon, retrieving a rifle from her truck to face him. In a moment of emotional turmoil and desperation, she opens fire, resulting in multiple gunshots, tragically including a fatal shot that leads to Gordon's demise.
Where:Photo shoot location
- 14
Aftermath of the Shooting
As the police arrive and apprehend Chris, a reflective moment ensues, illustrating the fallout of her impulsive actions. The chilling reality of the situation unfolds as Chris faces serious legal repercussions, and the question of justice remains uncertain in light of her desperate endeavor to protect her sister.
- 15
Carla Bondi's Commitment
In a solemn moment, Carla Bondi steps away from her district attorney role to take on Chris's defense. Addressing the jury in Chris’s murder trial, she underscores the importance of their decision, emphasizing the true meaning of justice and its impact on not just her case but society as a whole.
Where:Courtroom
Who Are the Main Characters in Lipstick?
5 characters, among them Chris McCormick (Margaux Hemingway), Kathy (Mariel Hemingway) and Gordon Stuart (Chris Sarandon): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- CM
Chris McCormick (Margaux Hemingway)
Played by Margaux Hemingway
Chris is a 21-year-old model whose life spirals after a traumatic assault by her music teacher. Protective and determined, she grapples with the dualities of pursuing her career while seeking justice. Her character arc reflects resilience in the face of adversity, showcasing her struggle for empowerment and personal agency.
- 👩🎤 Model
- 💔 Survivor
- ⚔️ Resilient
-
Kathy (Mariel Hemingway)
Played by Mariel Hemingway
Kathy is Chris's younger sister, navigating adolescence while coping with the fallout from their parents' tragic death and the subsequent horror that unfolds. Her innocence contrasts sharply with the dark events surrounding her, showcasing her vulnerability and growth as she seeks to protect her sister. Kathy serves as the emotional anchor throughout the story.
- 👧 Sister
- 💖 Innocence
- 🌱 Growth
-
Gordon Stuart (Chris Sarandon)
Played by Chris Sarandon
Gordon is a charming yet deeply manipulative music teacher whose predatory behavior leads to catastrophic consequences. Initially portrayed as a promising figure, his true nature is unveiled through violent actions. The complexity of his character serves to challenge societal perceptions of trust and authority, highlighting the insidious nature of abuse.
- 🎶 Music Teacher
- 😈 Manipulative
- ⚠️ Predator
-
Steve Edison (Perry King)
Played by Perry King
Steve is Chris's boyfriend, who struggles to support her amidst the chaos that ensues from the assault. His character represents the challenges faced by loved ones in understanding and navigating the repercussions of trauma. While he often encourages Chris's modeling career, his conflict emerges from his protective instincts and fear of repercussions.
- 💕 Boyfriend
- 🤔 Conflicted
- 📉 Supportive
-
Carla Bondi (Anne Bancroft)
Played by Anne Bancroft
Carla is the district attorney who represents Chris in her quest for justice. She embodies the legal challenges faced by victims and serves as a nurturing figure through the tumultuous court process. Carla's commitment to seeing true justice is pivotal in the narrative, advocating for Chris despite the hurdles posed by societal norms.
- ⚖️ District Attorney
- 🦸♀️ Advocate
- 🗣️ Fierce
Where and When Is Lipstick Set?
Lipstick is set in Beach, Apartment, Private Catholic School, Mall Complex and Sub-Basement Tunnel. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The film unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflective of the societal issues surrounding sexual assault and justice during its release period. It highlights the struggles of women navigating both their personal traumas and public perceptions in an era where such discussions were beginning to emerge.
Where
Beach, Apartment, Private Catholic School, Mall Complex, Sub-Basement Tunnel
The movie takes place in various locations, including a serene beach setting where Chris works as a model. Their apartment serves as a personal refuge for the sisters, while a private Catholic school represents the aspirations of the younger sibling, Kathy. A mall complex becomes a pivotal site of tension, with its unfinished spaces creating an eerie atmosphere that mirrors the film's darker themes.
- 🏖️ Beach
- 🏢 Apartment
- 🎒 School
- 🏬 Mall
- 🕳️ Tunnel
What Are the Themes of Lipstick?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Justice, Trauma and Sisterhood.
-
01
Justice
Justice is a central theme as Chris battles the odds to confront the legal system following her assault. The film explores the complexities of seeking accountability in the face of societal biases, raising questions about the effectiveness of justice for victims. It ultimately showcases the importance of speaking out and the challenges that come with pursuing the truth.
-
02
Trauma
The characters endure profound trauma stemming from violence and betrayal. Chris's experience not only changes her but also impacts her relationship with her sister, Kathy. The portrayal of trauma highlights the long-lasting emotional scars and the struggle to reclaim one’s identity in the aftermath of horrific events.
-
03
Sisterhood
The bond between Chris and Kathy underscores themes of sisterhood and familial responsibility. Their relationship demonstrates the protective instinct that arises after trauma, as each sister navigates her challenges while supporting one another. This connection becomes pivotal as they face the repercussions of Gordon's actions together.
What Kind of Film Is Lipstick?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Ambiguous
A grim and intense thriller that chronicles a brutal assault and the subsequent failures of the legal system, culminating in a desperate act of violent revenge that leaves the viewer questioning the nature of justice.
- brutal
- vengeful
- grim
- anxious
- traumatic
- tense
- rape and revenge
- sexual assault
- failed justice
- sibling protection
Content notes: sexual assault, rape, violence against women, child endangerment, courtroom trauma.
Quiz
How well do you remember Lipstick? Test yourself on the story.
