Love and betrayal: All in 'Malice'

JAKARTA (JP): Harold Becker's Malice is a film that explores the strength of the bonds between husband and wife and leaves the viewer asking, "How well do I really know the person that I married?"

A serial killer is stalking students of a prestigious women's college, who's dean of students is Andy Safian (Bill Pullman.) His wife Tracy, (Nicole Kidman), is a volunteer worker at the children's ward of a Massachusetts hospital in the United States.

Jed (Alec Baldwin) is a Harvard-educated surgeon who rarely misses his target, either in surgery or in romance. Despite these two talents, his bedside manner is lacking - in fact, he a very high opinion of himself.

Andy and Jed turn out to be former schoolmates, so when Jed can't find an apartment Andy lets him rent a floor in his house. Tracy objects as she does not like Jed's arrogant, womanizing ways.

Tracy gets pregnant, but stomach pains lead to her to have an operation by none other than Jed. Lab tests confirm later that the operation wasn't necessary and Tracy leaves Andy for giving his permission for the procedure.

The drama between Andy and his wife is put on hold in the wake of another rape and murder that takes place on the college campus. The poor dean comes under suspicion for the murders.

In clearing his name and winning back the love of Tracy, Andy stumbles upon another crime. The author of this crime is not a murderer, yet, but is just as ruthless as the individual who is stalking the campus.

And it may be his own wife.

--Tony Ryanto