Murder Once Removed

Murder Once Removed is a 1985 American television thriller film directed by Bruce Seth Green, and it stars Barbara Parkins and John Vernon. The story revolves around the twisted and dark themes of love, passion, and the desperation that can arise from the pursuit of both. The protagonist of the film, Dr. Ellen Dorsey, is played by Barbara Parkins, and her character exemplifies the complexities and nuances of human relationships. At the beginning of the film, we see Dr. Ellen Dorsey, a beautiful and charming woman, who is married to Dr. Tom Taylor, a fellow physician. Their relationship appears to be perfect on the surface, but beneath the façade, we find that their marriage has lost its spark, and they are growing apart. Tom's absence, as he works long hours at the hospital, has led to a deep-seated emotional void in Ellen, which she desperately tries to fill. In an act of desperation, she turns to a former flame, a man named Rick, and begins a torrid affair with him. As the story unfolds, Ellen and Rick's relationship deepens, and they find themselves caught up in a whirlpool of passion and deceit. Their love is forbidden, as it threatens to disrupt the carefully constructed lives of those around them. Ellen's marriage to Tom, her commitment to her work, and her reputation as a respected doctor all hang in the balance. The weight of these conflicting loyalties and responsibilities creates a sense of unbearable tension within Ellen, which threatens to consume her. In the midst of this turmoil, Ellen discovers that she is pregnant with Rick's child. The prospect of her pregnancy and the inevitable repercussions that follow force Ellen to confront the harsh reality of her situation. As a doctor, she is aware of the moral and ethical implications of her actions, but her desire for Rick and her need for a sense of fulfillment cloud her judgment, leading her to make a heart-wrenching decision: she will have an abortion. However, Ellen's decision is complicated by her relationship with Tom, who is increasingly suspicious of her activities. The pressure from Tom's inquires and Ellen's own feelings of guilt and anxiety propel her to a point where she snaps. In a fit of rage, she murders Tom, believing that this act will free her from the suffocating constraints of her marriage and allow her to pursue a life with Rick. The aftermath of Tom's murder sets in motion a chain reaction of events that threaten to expose Ellen's dark secret. In a desperate bid to conceal her crime and avoid detection, Ellen turns to murder again, eliminating anyone who might compromise her cover. As the investigation into Tom's death heats up, Ellen's world begins to unravel, and she finds herself trapped in a complex web of lies and deceit. As Ellen's situation becomes increasingly dire, she is forced to confront the darker aspects of her own nature. Her descent into madness is marked by a growing loss of control, and she becomes increasingly detached from reality. The lines between right and wrong become blurred, and Ellen's actions are driven solely by a twisted sense of self-preservation. The film takes a dark and cynical view of human nature, suggesting that even those who appear to be pillars of society are capable of unspeakable acts when driven by desire and desperation. The protagonist's downward spiral is a cautionary tale about the destructive power of unchecked emotions and the devastating consequences that can arise from our choices. The themes of Murder Once Removed are rooted in the complexities of human relationships, and the film serves as a stark reminder that love can be a double-edged sword. The boundaries between love and desire, right and wrong, and passion and control become increasingly blurred as the story unfolds, leading to a climactic conclusion that is both shocking and thought-provoking. In the end, Ellen's world is left in shambles, and her future is forever changed by the consequences of her actions. The final shot of the film is a haunting and poignant reminder of the devastating impact of her choices, as we are left to ponder the nature of love, desire, and the darker aspects of human existence.