Primal Fear

High-powered Chicago attorney Martin Vail (Richard Gere) volunteers to defend Kentucky altar boy Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton), accused of murdering an archbishop. Captured covered in blood after a televised chase, the suspect seems guilty, yet Vail sees a chance to boost his profile. His ex-girlfriend, prosecutor Janet Venable (Laura Linney), opposes him while psychologist Dr. Molly Arrington (Frances McDormand) diagnoses multiple personality disorder. Vail uncovers the archbishop's land corruption and molestation of parishioners, forcing him to weigh whether this client deserves his full defense.