A Nearly Normal Family

In the present, Shirine presents Stella with Dostoevsky’s novel Crime and Punishment, but Stella chooses to start with French writer Zola’s shorter Thérèse Raquin. Her interaction with Shirine takes a deeper turn as they discuss reasons for having children. This conversation leads Stella to introspect about her family dynamics and her longing for simpler times with her father. Stella considers confessing to escape the torment of her confinement.

In the past, Stella grapples with conflicting feelings about Christopher after Linda’s warning. Despite Amina’s skepticism, Stella trusts Christopher. Still, Stella’s curiosity leads her to investigate the locked drawer in his home. Upon unlocking it, Stella is confronted with unexpected and perplexing contents.

In the present, Shirine suggests that some people, including Stella, might be drawn to risky behaviors or relationships for excitement. Stella maintains a dismissive attitude yet shows signs of attentive listening. Meanwhile, she thinks about Thérèse Raquin; she initially dislikes the book but admits it makes her think. The book’s themes of guilt, responsibility, and the capacity for extreme actions resonate with Stella.

The novel flashes back to Stella’s discovery of bondage accessories and a knife in Christopher’s locked drawer. Amina expresses concern over Stella’s relationship with Christopher. Stella struggles with the realization that he might not be who she thought he was. She recalls “borrowing” her father’s car for a party, which led to a costly accident and the jeopardizing of her savings for a dream trip to Asia.

Stella remembers how upset she was having to postpone her much-anticipated trip to Asia, feeling that her life lacks excitement and purpose. Amina tries to offer perspective, but Stella remains disillusioned. Stella is also conflicted about her parents’ newfound happiness, feeling her own life is stagnating. Events take a turn when Stella receives a cryptic warning text from Linda urging Stella to be cautious with Christopher. Stella chooses to ignore it.

In the present, reflecting on her reading of Crime and Punishment, Stella suggests that some murders may have extenuating circumstances, sparking a debate with Shirine on the nature of justice and morality. Stella argues that certain people, by virtue of their heinous actions, may forfeit their right to life.

In the past, Amina arranges a meeting with Linda, who shares her alarming experiences with Christopher. Stella is initially skeptical, but as Linda recounts her story, Stella faces a dilemma. Linda describes a pattern of manipulative and controlling behavior from Christopher, including jealousy, isolation from friends and family, and even physical abuse. The narrative she presents starkly contrasts with the Christopher Stella knows.

Lying in her cell, Stella’s thoughts wander from the biochemical explanations of emotions to personal responsibility in relationships. She contemplates the nature of love, questioning whether it is a choice or a spontaneous, uncontrollable feeling. Stella struggles with feelings of betrayal and confusion, particularly concerning her friend Amina. The emotional weight of her circumstances becomes overwhelming, leading to a vulnerable moment where she can no longer hide her tears.

After the meeting with Linda, Stella expresses skepticism about Linda’s accusations against Christopher. Later, at a nightclub, Stella’s discomfort grows when she encounters Christopher with Beatrice, Linda’s ex best friend, whom he cheated on Linda with. Beatrice shares her own perspective on Linda’s mental health, deepening Stella’s confusion about whom to trust. The chapter ends with Amina spending time with Christopher.

Waking in a state of terror in her cell, Stella is haunted by the image of Christopher’s bloodied body. Her desperation escalates as she frantically begs to be let out. However, when the guards and medical staff intervene, she resists.

In the past, as Christopher expresses his desire to visit Stella’s home and meet her parents, Stella feels increasingly uneasy about their relationship. His suggestion of traveling together to Asia conflicts with Stella’s desire for independence. Stella’s parents are away on vacation, and the tension escalates as Christopher tests her boundaries and tries to take her to her parents’ bedroom, where Stella refuses to have sex with him. Stella realizes that she doesn’t want a boyfriend, nor does she want to be involved in any of Christopher’s “experiments.”

Stella texts Amina about considering breaking up with Christopher. Amina eventually agrees that ending the relationship might be wise. Stella’s parents return from their vacation, noticeably happy and affectionate. Linda corners Stella again and warns her about Christopher’s dangerous behavior. Linda shares experiences of abuse and manipulation at his hands, including a violent incident involving a hammer. Despite Linda’s stories, Stella remains skeptical and overwhelmed but decides to delete Christopher’s contact information.

In the present, Stella confronts her lawyer, Michael Blomberg, about his relationship with her mother. Blomberg admits to a past affair with Stella’s mother but insists it ended years ago. Stella’s agitation grows as Blomberg reveals the prosecutor’s hypothesis: They suspect Stella murdered Christopher Olsen out of jealousy after discovering an alleged affair between Christopher and Amina. This accusation infuriates Stella. Blomberg then reveals that Stella has an alibi: Her father confirmed she was home by 11:45 p.m. on the night of the murder, contradicting the prosecutor’s timeline that places the murder between 1:00 and 3:00 a.m. This revelation confuses Stella, as she knows Adam is lying.

In a flashback, Stella’s father chooses an Italian restaurant—a cuisine she dislikes—for her 18th birthday. He also gives her a Vespa as a gift, ignoring her preference for travel money. Stella then finds out that Amina is with Christopher.

In the present, Stella wakes up rested and mentally prepared for another police interview. During the interrogation with Agnes Thelin, Stella mentions the alibi her father has provided, but Thelin suggests that the exact time of the murder is uncertain. After pondering her relationship with Amina and the implications of speaking out, Stella decides to reveal the truth about her whereabouts on the night of the murder, thinking she’s protecting the people she loves. She admits that she did not return home until two in the morning, contradicting her father’s claim.

Back in the past, Stella deals with the aftermath of Christopher’s betrayal. She meets Amina at a restaurant, where Amina admits that he kissed her unexpectedly and claims she tried to resist him. Stella feels betrayed but chooses to believe Amina, who is a poor liar. Stella decides to end things with Christopher, blocking him on social media. As days pass, she gradually moves on, viewing Christopher and Linda as brief, forgettable episodes in her life.

Stella lists her Vespa for sale, feeling guilty but resolute in her need for travel money. Stella messages Amina about meeting up, brushing off her previous disappointment about Amina’s disclosure to Christopher, but Amina says she can’t. Stella spends the day in a positive mood, distancing herself from the Christopher situation and focusing on her goals. However, an encounter with Linda shakes her composure, leaving her physically unsteady and emotionally unsettled.

In the present, Stella faces an emotional goodbye with her therapist, Shirine. Stella, typically not fond of sentimental farewells, finds herself unusually affected by Shirine’s departure. They discuss how far a parent would go to protect their child. Stella reflects on her own father’s actions, suggesting he might lie to maintain a façade of familial perfection. Stella breaks down and embraces Shirine as they part.

In the past, Stella, feeling increasingly paranoid and pursued by Linda Lokind, seeks safety and comfort. After failing to reach Amina through various means of communication, Stella reluctantly considers contacting Christopher for help. A cryptic and uncharacteristic text from Amina’s phone heightens Stella’s suspicions and fear; she believes that someone else, possibly Linda or even Christopher, might be using Amina’s phone.

Stella experiences a surge of urgency and rushes to Christopher’s place on her bike, driven by a need to ensure Amina’s safety. She considers seeking help from the police but ultimately decides against it, feeling the need to personally confirm Amina’s well-being. No one answers Christopher’s door when Stella gets there.