Unbounded

Jacqueline is in therapy to overcome an almost debilitating case of low-self esteem. Almost every interaction is a chore. She is handed a flyer at university for a speed dating event and, after discussing it with her therapist, she decides she wants to go. The therapist, Dr. Mortenson, works with her to create a game plan to ensure the night goes as smoothly as possible. Jacqueline arrives at the speed dating event prepared as much as possible. As the evening progresses, it becomes clear she isn’t ready; she is in near meltdown when she meets her last date, Robert. Robert tries to calm her by offering her a glass of water and taking over the conversation by asking her questions about her car until his phone rings — it’s his mother. He dutifully answers, to which Jacqueline becomes disarmed at the intimacy of the conversation. Robert walks Jacqueline to her car, parked in the back parking lot, when a SUV drives beside them to which Robert knocks with his hand. The driver, another participant in the speed dating evening, gets out and confronts Robert. It appears that a fight will ensure, but it’s a rouse, they instead abduct Jacqueline from the parking lot. Abstract Object Logistics, is the corporate face to the sex trafficking operation run by Phillip, Dante, and Jimmy. They have an office, employees, and even a lunchroom. Most of the cargo is legitimate, but only they know what other cargo they transport. The operation is so slick the employees they have hired do not understand they are complicit in this illegal activity and instead they carry on like employees at a legitimate company, with barbeques and meal expenses. Because of an unforeseen problem, they must hold the woman in their possession for a few days instead of hours before their ultimate destinations. This creates problems that Phillip attempts to rectify by selling them off sooner than later but in order to keep them together, they are chained together like animals with the use of nose rings. As Jacqueline awaits her fate along with the others, she finds herself in the company of Jena, a fierce and defiant 17-year-old, who will do anything to get out of her current situation to the detriment of herself. As Jacqueline stands in the hall with Jimmy, Phillip notices her and asks Jimmy to put her in the office to basically “try out the goods”. Jacqueline sits in the office full of dread as Phillip approaches. When Phillip sees Jacqueline sitting in the chair, the light strikes her just right and in an instant it mesmerizes him. He grabs her and sniffs her incessantly. Jacqueline is unsure of what to do. She hugs back. Passion rises quickly for Phillip, and before you know it, his shirt is off and pants are undone. Jacqueline is pushed onto the desk where Phillip stares into her eyes and says “love me”. On Phillip’s chest is a beautifully rendered tattoo of Jacqueline’s doppelganger over his heart. He leaves full of tears and breaks down out of eyesight from anyone. When Jimmy finally readies the vans for the removal of the women, Phillip explodes and attacks Jimmy when he handles Jacqueline for removal. Phillip takes her away and becomes extremely concerned. He treats her gently. He seems to lose himself in asking to see Jacqueline again, much like someone on a date looking for another while in the presence of Jena. It’s clear something isn’t right, but Jacqueline is unsure what she must do. Phillip is convinced that Jacqueline is the one for him so much so he decides to bring her to Pedro’s family barbeque. Phillip’s delusion is on display when he kisses Jacqueline on the mouth like a girlfriend when they are getting readied for transport. She is removed from the line and held to one side for Phillip. They engage in a date while the others are processed to be transported. Jena attempts to escape but is caught and beat. Phillip continues the date, but his behaviour is erratic and, in his delusional state, unpredictable. The next day, Dr. Ortega assesses Jena’s injuries as Phillip then sells him some of the women. Jena is removed from the group and isolated where she attempts another unsuccessful attempt at escape. Jacqueline has become Phillip’s “girlfriend” and awaits him to take her away from the warehouse. Phillip and Jacqueline arrive at his home, where she finds a portrait of his mother. Phillip removes the nose ring and she appears to be with Phillip of her own free will. Dante unexpectedly gets arrested at the docks for looking suspicious which creates yet another complication — the girls haven’t had food or water for the last 48 hours. This puts all of them in jeopardy. Jena is found dead. The other girls are barely hanging on. Phillip seems to not care, more interested in Pedro’s barbeque than anything else. Jena’s body is put in the trunk of the car and he drives back to his house with Jacqueline in tow. Phillip brings Jacqueline to the barbeque, even though she still can’t get over Jena’s death. Phillip intimidates Jacqueline into playing the part which she does well, she is warmly received. Dante and Jimmy can’t believe she is here. They leave early. Phillip and Jacqueline arrive home and are confronted by both Dante and Jimmy in the house. They make Jacqueline a captive and hold a gun on Phillip. Jacqueline is chained to the car, Phillip the kitchen table. Jimmy, who has always had a soft spot for Jacqueline, is concerned about her wellbeing and goes back to make sure she is OK. Jacqueline manipulates Jimmy and ultimately takes his life in order to escape. Jacqueline attempts to escape in the dark, but Dante pursues. She hides and when he can’t find her he returns to the house, where Jacqueline clandestinely follows. She picks up a shovel and beats Dante and kills him before she runs for help. Safe and sound at home, Jacqueline begins the healing process. Her mother is initially supportive but falls into her old ways to which Jacqueline now will not tolerate. Jacqueline arrives home one day to find the stove full of pots, someone is cooking — it’s Phillip, he followed her home. He is convinced they should be together, and he cooks a beautiful meal for her and ultimately asks for her hand in marriage. Jacqueline realizes this is not a life she wants, nor is this a future she’s interested in. The only option now is violence. Jacqueline does her best against Phillip of which she ultimately wins and with that starts the life she wants to live.