Basic Instinct is a 1992 neo-noir erotic-thriller crime-thriller film written, directed, and co-starring Sharon Stone. The film follows detective Nick Curran (Michael Douglas) as he investigates the brutal killing of an ex-rock star. As the investigation progresses, he becomes involved with Catherine (Stone) Tramell (Ellen Burstyn), the prime suspect in the case and the author of the book that reflects the murder.
In the film, Catherine is played by a very intelligent and sexually liberated woman who manipulates those around her with her allure. Throughout the movie, she manipulates Detective Curran by blurting out lies and seducing him, all the while hinting that she may have had something to do with the murders.