Fashion Photographer Laura Mars (Faye Dunaway), world-renowned for her erotic portraits of transparently-gowned models in settings of urban violence, becomes the focal point for a series of bizarre murders. The victims are "witnessed" by Laura in her mind's eye - as if through the lens of her camera.

These terrifying experiences bring Laura together in an intimate relationship with homicide detective John Neville (Tommy Lee Jones), who, while unraveling the mystery, makes a shocking discovery.