The Dead Girl is a 2006 independent drama film directed by Karen Moncrieff. The film tells the story of a young woman, Krista, who is found dead in a field in a small town. As the investigation into Krista's death unfolds, the lives of several people who are seemingly unrelated to her begin to intersect.
The film is divided into five different chapters, each focusing on a different character whose life is affected by Krista's death. The first chapter follows Arden (Toni Collette), a lonely and frustrated caretaker who discovers Krista's body while walking her dog. The second chapter tells the story of Krista herself (Brittany Murphy), a drug-addicted prostitute who is forced to work for a violent pimp.
The third chapter follows Leah (Rose Byrne), a meek and reclusive woman who becomes obsessed with the idea of discovering the identity of the dead girl. The fourth chapter focuses on Ruth (Mary Beth Hurt), a bitter and abusive mother who becomes convinced that Krista was her estranged daughter. The final chapter tells the story of Melora (Marcia Gay Harden), a woman who has been living with the guilt of her daughter's disappearance for years and becomes convinced that Krista's death is somehow connected to her.
As the film progresses, these characters become intertwined in unexpected ways, and the mystery surrounding Krista's death begins to unravel. The Dead Girl is a powerful and haunting exploration of grief, loss, and the interconnectedness of human lives.