Sidney Bruhl, an accomplished playwright experiencing a series of failures, receives a script from a former student, Clifford Anderson. Recognizing the script as a potential hit, Sidney invites Clifford to his home with the intention of collaborating on the play. However, Sidney secretly considers killing Clifford to pass the play off as his own. Sidney's wife, Myra, becomes anxious as she overhears their discussions and senses Sidney's sinister intent. As tension escalates, Sidney and Clifford navigate a complex psychological chess game filled with deception and ulterior motives.

The plot thickens as unexpected twists keep both the characters and the audience guessing. Sidney and Clifford's interaction reveals layers of manipulation, with each trying to outwit the other. The isolated setting of the Bruhl's home amplifies the suspense, providing a backdrop for escalating mistrust and cunning. Sidney's history as a thriller playwright intertwines with his real-life actions, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. The characters’ true intentions unfold gradually, leading to an intense setup where power dynamics are constantly shifting.