The Pelican Brief is a 1993 American thriller film directed by Alan J. Pakula and starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington. The movie tells the story of Darby Shaw (Julia Roberts), a law student at Tulane University who becomes embroiled in a complex web of murder, corruption, and greed after writing a brief about the recent deaths of two Supreme Court justices. The film begins with the assassination of Justice Finch and Justice Rosenberg, two conservative Supreme Court justices who were set to rule on a case that would give President Riley (Robert Culp) immense power. The investigation into their murders is led by FBI Agent Gray Grantham (Sam Shepherd), but as Darby delves deeper into the case, she begins to uncover a far-reaching conspiracy involving powerful politicians, judges, and corporate executives. As Darby's research and theory about the murders gain traction, she finds herself in grave danger. She is stalked by assassins hired by those trying to cover up their involvement in the murders, and her life becomes increasingly precarious. Meanwhile, Thomas Callahan (Denzel Washington), a charismatic and rugged journalist, becomes intrigued by Darby's research and joins forces with her to uncover the truth. Throughout the film, Darby must use all her wits and resourcefulness to stay one step ahead of her pursuers while also navigating the treacherous landscape of Washington politics. Along the way, she discovers that the murders are just a small part of a larger scheme involving corruption, bribery, and murder on a massive scale. The Pelican Brief is a gripping thriller that combines elements of mystery, suspense, and intrigue to create a thrilling ride. With its complex plot, strong characters, and pulse-pounding action sequences, the film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The Pelican Brief