Laura and Martin have been married for four years and seem to be the perfect couple. The reality of their household is very different as Martin is an abusive and brutally obsessed husband.
Laura Burney (Julia Roberts) is not just the trophy wife of rich investment counselor Martin (Patrick Bergin). She is also a battered wife. After faking her own death by drowning, she changes her name and relocates to Cedar Falls, Iowa – and even begins a new relationship. But once Martin learns of the ruse, he comes to Iowa to reclaim his “possession.”