🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Mora Stephens
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Release year: 2015
- Runtime (length): 1h 52min
- IMDb rating: 5.7/10 (8.3K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A politician forgets how zippers work and it almost ruins everything, but then he just becomes a senator anyway.
🍿 Zipper: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Sam Ellis and His World
Sam Ellis, portrayed by Patrick Wilson, is a successful federal prosecutor with a bright future ahead of him. He has a loving wife, Jeannie (Lena Headey), a beautiful home, and is poised to make a run for higher office. His life seems perfect, but beneath the surface, things are more complicated.

The Downward Spiral Begins
Sam’s life takes a turn when he encounters an escort agency while investigating a case. What starts as a one-time experience quickly spirals into an addiction, threatening to unravel everything he has worked for. He becomes increasingly reckless, putting his marriage and career at risk.

Caught in the Web
As Sam’s addiction deepens, he faces increasing scrutiny from an investigative journalist (Ray Winstone) and the FBI, who are investigating the escort agency. His wife, Jeannie, becomes suspicious of his behavior, and their relationship begins to fray. Sam must fight to keep his secrets hidden while battling his inner demons.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Sam Ellis (Patrick Wilson): A successful federal prosecutor whose promising political career is jeopardized by a growing addiction to escorts.
- Jeannie Ellis (Lena Headey): Sam’s ambitious wife who supports his political aspirations while navigating the fallout of his infidelity.
- Coaker (Ray Winstone): An investigative journalist who threatens to expose Sam’s secret life, jeopardizing his career.
- George Hiller (Richard Dreyfuss): A seasoned political handler who grooms Sam for a senate seat and helps him manage the scandal.
- Dalia (Dianna Agron): A young intern who represents a fleeting temptation for Sam, foreshadowing his later struggles.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Christy: “It must be hard giving your youth away to one person.” – This quote reflects the escorts’ view on long-term relationships and the sacrifices involved.
- Sam Ellis: “(Referring to a bill) ‘We’re taking the teeth out of it.’” – Sam is referring to ethical compromises which highlights his growing moral corruption.
- George Hiller: “The higher you climb, the dirtier it gets.” – George warns Sam about the realities of politics and the compromises he will have to make.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $4.5M
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Zipper Reviews
Personal Review
I went into this expecting a typical erotic thriller, but ‘Reckless’ surprised me. Patrick Wilson’s portrayal of a man spiraling out of control was captivating. There were moments I felt genuine sympathy for him, even while recognizing his mistakes. The scene where he almost confesses to his wife at dinner was particularly intense. It made me think about the pressures of ambition and the cost of secrets.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of political dramas”
- “Viewers interested in stories about sex addiction”
- “Those who enjoy films starring Patrick Wilson or Lena Headey”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Sexual content and nudity”
- “Drug use”
- “Adult themes”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “While the premise of a politician’s sex addiction is intriguing, ‘Reckless’ struggles to offer new insights, relying on familiar tropes. Patrick Wilson delivers a committed performance, but the film ultimately lacks depth.
- Hollywood Reporter: “A derivative and uninspired take on political scandal, ‘Reckless’ fails to capitalize on its talented cast. The film lacks suspense and offers little commentary on power or morality, resulting in a forgettable experience.
- IndieWire: “‘Reckless’ has strong performances, especially Wilson and Headly. The story is well presented, easy to follow and engaging
Audience Reactions
Patrick Wilson’s acting made the film watchable.: Viewers praised Patrick Wilson’s and Lena Headly performance and the character’s dynamic.
The ending was unexpected.: The audience liked the ending twist.
Overall Consensus: ‘Reckless’ presents an interesting character study, although falls short of delivering a groundbreaking thriller. Wilson and Headly performances are strong, but the story is engaging, but not highly original.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film was originally titled ‘Zipper’, a more suggestive title referencing the main character’s inability to control his urges.”
- “The movie is loosely based on the Eliot Spitzer scandal, where a New York governor’s career ended abruptly due to his patronage of prostitutes.”
- “Filming took place in Louisiana, utilizing local culinary students as extras in the dinner party scenes.”
🖥️ How to Watch Zipper?
As of October 2024, ‘Reckless’ (also known as ‘Zipper’) is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as streaming options may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Zipper, you might like these similar films:
- House of Cards (2013-2018): Political ambition and moral compromise are key themes in both, with protagonists willing to go to extreme lengths for power.
- Little Children (2006): Also starring Patrick Wilson, this film explores themes of adultery and suburban discontent, with Wilson playing a similar character struggling with temptation.
- Unfaithful (2002): Explores the themes of marital infidelity and its consequences.
- Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer (2010): Documentary directly covering the Eliot Spitzer scandal, which ‘Reckless’ is loosely based on.
🛒 Zipper Related Products
- House of Cards: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]: If you enjoyed the political intrigue and complex characters of ‘Reckless’, ‘House of Cards’ is a must-watch. Explore the dark side of ambition and power with this critically acclaimed series.
- The Sinner: Season 1 [DVD]: Explore the dark side of human desire in ‘The Sinner: Season 1’. Much like ‘Reckless’ it delves into twisted desire and the unraveling of moral codes.
- Official Reckless Movie Poster: Show your love for ‘Reckless’ with this high-quality reproduction of the movie’s original poster. A great addition to any movie lover’s collection.
- Patrick Wilson Signed Photo: A rare and authentic autographed photograph of Patrick Wilson. A valuable addition to any fan’s collection.
🎧 Soundtrack
Zipper features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Main Title Theme” – performed by H. Scott Salinas
- “Temptation” – performed by Various Artists (Compilation Album)
- “An Ending (Ascent)” – performed by Brian Eno
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
While not directly based on a specific individual, ‘Reckless’ shares similarities with the Eliot Spitzer scandal and explores themes of power, corruption, and sex addiction that are common in political dramas.
‘Reckless’ tells the story of a successful prosecutor who becomes addicted to using an escort service, jeopardizing his marriage, career, and political ambitions.
‘Reckless’ was filmed in Louisiana, USA.
🔥 Bonus Content
Zipper (2015) movie summary
Ever wonder what ‘Zipper’ is all about? This video breaks down the entire movie in just a few minutes! It’s perfect if you’re short on time or just want a quick recap before diving in. I found it super helpful for understanding the plot twists!
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