The Pretty Ones

Nell is living in New York City at the height of the Son of Sam murders. Lonely and unhappy with her appearance, she tries to fit in with the other secretaries but is unsuccessful. No matter what she tries, the fit and trim young ladies with clothing in the latest styles and hair and makeup never out of place are not receptive to her attempts at friendship. The only person Nell has a connection with is Barrett, the older brother she shares an apartment with, but Barrett’s persistent silence is deafening, plunging Nell into further isolation. Nell’s deteriorating mental health takes a downturn when a growing number of women with connections to her are found murdered, causing her and those around her to wonder if the Son of Sam is at work in their community. Narrator Gail Shalan provides an even and measured performance, maintaining the tension as she skillfully captures the characters’ differing emotions and speech patterns.