Summary
Highlights
The movie introduces Moll, a young woman feeling out of place, especially at her own birthday party where her sister's pregnancy announcement overshadows her. Upset, she leaves and encounters Pascal, a mysterious man who saves her from an aggressive suitor and tends to her injuries. Pascal, a hunter, asks Moll to keep his illegal activities a secret. They connect over books and shared interests, and Moll feels an attraction to his rebellious nature.
Moll's family disapproves of Pascal, particularly her mother, Hillary, who makes insulting remarks. Despite this, Moll invites Pascal to work at her house. News breaks about the abduction and murder of three girls on the island, with a new victim, Melissa, recently missing. Pascal comes for work, and their chemistry is undeniable. He takes her to a cliff and kisses her, making her feel thrilled. Her family, however, becomes furious when she leaves her niece alone, scolding her for being reckless with a serial killer on the loose.
Pascal dines with Moll's family, revealing he's an orphan. Polly warns him about Moll, who later confesses to Pascal about stabbing a girl in school due to bullying. He reassures her to move past it. They make love in the woods. The next morning, Melissa's dead body is discovered, making her the fourth victim. Clifford, a police officer and Moll's friend, questions her about Pascal, revealing his criminal past, including an assault charge. Moll lies, covering for Pascal, and furiously storms off when Clifford suggests Pascal is dangerous.
Moll initially distances herself from Pascal, but her mother's approval of this prompts Moll to reconnect with him. She tells Pascal about Clifford's accusations; Pascal claims the assault was consensual and that Clifford suspects him wrongfully. Moll confesses she lied to Clifford, saying they were together the night Melissa disappeared, asking Pascal if he committed the murders. He expresses his love and denies the accusations, and Moll chooses to believe him. They attend her sister's wedding, where Moll's family's disdain for Pascal is evident. Moll destroys the lawn in a defiant act.
Moll moves in with Pascal, finding peace and freedom. Their happiness is cut short when police arrest Pascal and question Moll. They show her a picture of the man she actually met the night of her birthday, proving she lied about being with Pascal. Teresa, a detective, shows Moll graphic photos of Melissa's body, urging Moll to stop defending Pascal and bringing up Moll's violent past. Moll, offended, storms out. She later visits the girl she stabbed, hoping to apologize, but only further enrages her. At Melissa's memorial, Moll is ostracized by the town, who believe Pascal is the killer.
Clifford informs Moll that Nuno Alvarez, a Portuguese farm worker, has been arrested for the murders, and Pascal is released. Pascal asks Moll if she would still love him if he were the murderer, revealing his mother abandoned him. Moll, though unconvinced, affirms her trust. During an argument, Pascal becomes violent and chokes Moll. Terrified, Moll runs to Clifford, who explains Nuno's DNA was found at the crime scene. Moll confesses she lied about her birthday night, enraging Clifford. Moll then goes to the murder site and covers herself in dirt.
Pascal returns, and they both apologize. He agrees to leave the island with her, suggesting Norway. Moll, out of the blue, tells Pascal she knows he's the killer and wants him to confess. Pascal denies it, so Moll confesses her own intentional act of violence against the girl she stabbed, trying to draw parallels between them. She states she won't give up on their relationship because of the victims and just needs him to promise it's over. Pascal agrees, saying the girls meant nothing to him. As they drive away, Moll intentionally causes a car accident, severely injuring Pascal. She brutally strangles him to death, claiming they are not the same, and walks away.