Kiss the Girls

The 1997 American psychological thriller directed by Gary Fleder, with a screenplay by David Klass, is based on the novel of the same name by James Patterson. The story follows Washington D.C. forensic psychologist Dr. Alex Cross (Morgan Freeman), who learns that his niece Naomi (Gina Ravera) has gone missing in Durham, North Carolina. Upon arrival, he discovers that several other young women have also disappeared and collaborates with local detectives, including Nick Ruskin (Cary Elwes), to investigate. Meanwhile, Dr. Kate McTiernan (Ashley Judd), one of the abducted women, escapes from the captivity of a serial killer known as "Casanova" and joins the investigation. As the case unfolds, it becomes apparent that two perpetrators are involved: Casanova and his accomplice, the "Gentleman Caller." Cross and McTiernan follow leads from North Carolina to California, uncovering a complex web of crimes. The climax occurs when Cross realizes that Detective Ruskin is actually Casanova and intervenes to prevent him from killing Kate, thus bringing the case to a close.