A woman escapes from the man who is about to rape her, but leaves her purse behind. Afraid that her attacker might come after her, she goes to the police, but with no proof of the incident, they can do nothing. In fact, the man does use the information in her bag and comes to her apartment with the intent of rape, but she sprays him in the face with insect repellent, and then holds him captive. She is then faced with deciding whether to go to the police who might not believe her and release him, or to kill him.
Acting
Fawcett's raw desperation; Russo's terrifying casual evil.
Direction
Young traps you in that apartment—no escape, no relief.
Writing
Adapted from William Mastrosimone's stage play; dialogue crackles.
Director
Robert M. Young
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Fawcett bought the film rights after starring in the 1982 Off-Broadway production, reportedly paying $1.5 million of her own money.
Released during peak '80s anxiety about violent crime and feminist backlash; it sparked debates about 'victim films' and female empowerment.
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