The story begins on the morning of Nick and Amy’s fifth wedding anniversary when Amy mysteriously disappears. Under mounting pressure from the police and a growing media frenzy, Nick’s portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble. Soon, his behavior spawns questions: Did he kill his wife? The film is famous for its twisting narrative, exploring themes of media manipulation, the facade of marriage, and the dark side of human psychology. Rosamund Pike’s chilling performance as the "cool girl" with a dark agenda is particularly memorable.

Fincher critiques the "cult of victimhood" and tabloid sensationalism. Characters like cable host Ellen Abbott satirize real-world media figures (e.g., Nancy Grace) who prioritize compelling narratives over objective truth.