Being brought up by an overbearing mother intent on competing with her in every way has left Virginia with an altered view of men and relationships. Perhaps rushing in to marriage with Joe, even if he offers an escape from her mother, is not the wisest of choices. Joe is difficult and unpredictable, but Virginia is determined to make their relationship work. But soon he reveals a darker side that twists married life into something damaging. As he draws her into one humiliating situation after another, Virginia is forced to admit that her romantic dream has turned into a nightmare.