Tom Ripley is a young man struggling to make ends meet in New York City, bouncing from one menial job to another and dabbling in illegal activities. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is approached by the wealthy Herbert Greenleaf, who believes Tom is a casual friend of his son, Dickie. Greenleaf offers Tom an opportunity to travel to Italy with the mission of persuading his son to return home.

Arrival in Italy

Upon his arrival in the picturesque town of Mongibello, Tom encounters Dickie and his girlfriend, Marge. Initially indifferent, the couple warms up to Tom as he reveals the purpose of his visit and charms them with his wit and entertainment. Dickie soon invites Tom to stay at his lavish home, much to Marge's displeasure, as she fears Tom may interfere with her romantic pursuits.

A Blossoming Friendship

Tom and Dickie quickly develop a close camaraderie, traveling together throughout Italy and enjoying a life of luxury. Meanwhile, Marge often remains on the sidelines. During their adventures, they run into Freddie Miles, a wealthy friend of Dickie, who reminds them of an upcoming skiing party in Cortina. Immersed in a lifestyle he could only dream of, Tom becomes increasingly envious of Dickie's opulent world, including his wardrobe and generous monthly allowance.

Tensions Arise

The friendship between Tom and Dickie begins to sour when Dickie catches Tom trying on his clothes and admiring himself. Dickie hurtfully echoes Marge's suspicions about Tom's sexuality, triggering Tom's vehement denial. As tensions escalate, Tom's attempted involvement of Dickie in a drug scheme only widens the rift. With Marge preoccupied with her writing, Dickie reluctantly agrees to a trip to San Remo with Tom, where underlying resentments come to a head.

A Sinister Turn

During their outing in San Remo, as they prepare to swim, Tom's simmering jealousy reaches a boiling point. He brutally murders Dickie with an oar, sinks his body with an anchor, and then sinks the boat near the shore. Returning to Mongibello, Tom deceives Marge by claiming Dickie has relocated to Rome and is in the process of moving his belongings. To support his story, Tom forges letters from Dickie to both Marge and the Greenleafs, successfully mimicking his handwriting and style.

Assuming a New Identity

In Rome, Tom continues his deception by forging Dickie's signature to claim his allowance and using his passport to travel around Europe. Dressing in Dickie's clothes, Tom rents a luxurious apartment, living comfortably and exploring at will, secure in the knowledge that affluent Americans are not required to report changes of address. However, his charade faces a threat when Freddie Miles uncovers Tom's location.

Escalating Danger

Freddie arrives at the apartment, suspicious of Tom's attire and jewelry. Before Freddie can act on his suspicions, Tom murders him with a heavy ashtray. In the dead of night, Tom drags Freddie's body to his sports car, abandoning it at a cemetery where it will be discovered the next morning. Tom's dual identity now faces increased scrutiny from the police, Marge, and other acquaintances, as he continues to impersonate Dickie while crafting a will in Dickie's name, leaving everything to himself.

Maintaining the Facade

Marge arrives at the apartment, and Tom, playing the role of Dickie's concerned friend, feigns ignorance about the unfolding events. He maintains his composure until her departure, after which he relocates to Venice to escape potential exposure. As the investigation intensifies, Tom decides to abandon the pretense of being Dickie and reports to the local authorities, hoping to shift the focus of suspicion. The police surmise that Dickie might have killed Freddie...