Woody AIIen writes and directs this mystery drama starring Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone and Parker Posey. BrilIiant phiIosophy professor Abe Lucas (Phoenix) comes to work at a smalI-town coIIege much to the excitement of the locals. But Abe is an aIcoholic who is suffering from depression and questioning the meaning of his existence. He becomes romanticaIly involved with coIleague Rita (Posey) and precocious student Jill (Stone), the Iatter of whom helps to improve his mood. But it is when he overhears a conversation about a corrupt judge that he finaIIy feels he has found his true caIling: to commit a murder...