Based on a book by Dean Koontz, who also served as one of the executive producers, this Canadian telefilm directed by Yves Simoneau (
Mother's Boys
) concerns a young psychology student named Chyna Shepherd. She's played by Molly Parker (who was so wonderful in the 1996 cult film
Kissed
) as a troubled woman with a frightening past, which is seen in disturbing flashbacks. Chyna attempts to exorcise her own demons by rescuing a 15-year-old girl named Ariel (Tori Paul) from the brilliant but completely insane serial killer Edgler Vess (John C. McGinley). Vess has kidnapped Ariel and is holding her captive in his remote cabin, and only Chyna can save her.