Steven Phillips is a veteran screenwriter of 17 films who is told he has lost his edge. A fellow writer with a string of successes under his belt refers Phillips to Sarah, a professional muse. In exchange for the royal treatment and a showering of expensive gifts, she will grace writers with her presence, which seems to magically spark profitable ideas in the client's mind. Is her power real or is it all in her clients' heads?

A down on his luck screenwriter reluctantly agrees to adapt a trashy bestseller to the silver screen. Rather than read the book himself, Steele convinces a star-struck hatcheck girl, Mildred Atkinson, to accompany him home and tell him the story in her own words. Later that night, Mildred is found murdered and Steele, who has a history of violent behavior, becomes the prime suspect. A neighbor who is attracted to him lies to the police providing him...