Defenseless, released in theaters on August 23, 1991, is a complex legal thriller that unravels a tangled web of infidelity, murder, and hidden family secrets. The story centers on Thelma “T.K.” Knudsen Katwuller (Barbara Hershey), a high-powered Los Angeles defense attorney. T.K.’s personal and professional lives collide when she discovers that her married lover, Steven Seldes (J.T. Walsh), is found murdered, and the prime suspect is his wife, Ellie Seldes (Mary Beth Hurt)—who happens to be T.K.’s former college roommate.
T.K. reluctantly agrees to take on Ellie’s case, all while being hounded by Detective Beutel (Sam Shepard).
As T.K. delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a series of devastating secrets about the victim, her client, and even herself.
The case becomes more convoluted as she navigates the lies of her client and the suspicious actions of others connected to the case, including a sleazy film producer (John Kapelos) and an actor named Bull Dozer (Jay O. Saunders).
The film maintains a tense atmosphere, as T.K. struggles to determine the truth while a killer is seemingly still on the loose.
The narrative builds to a shocking and emotional climax that reveals the true nature of the crime and the dark motivations behind it.
Barbara Hershey and Sam Shepard in Defenseless (Photo/New Line Cinema)
Reception for Defenseless
Defenseless grossed $1.6 million on its opening weekend, finishing tenth at the box office. Hot Shots! was the No. 1 film of the weekend, earning $4.7 million on its fourth weekend.
The film would gross $6.4 million in its theatrical run.
Rita Kempley, in her Washington Post review, said the film is “a chewy mystery thriller that crosses aspects of Presumed Innocent with The Turning Point.”
Legacy
Upon its release, Defenseless received mixed reviews from critics, who praised Hershey’s strong performance but often found the plot to be overly complicated and contrived.
Despite this, the film has a reputation as a gripping thriller with a genuinely surprising twist ending and its legacy lies in its ability to draw viewers into a complex mystery, showcasing the talents of its lead actors, particularly Hershey, who grounds the increasingly unbelievable plot with her portrayal of a woman caught in a moral and legal crisis.
While perhaps not a genre classic, it remains a worthwhile watch for fans of intricate whodunits and legal dramas.
