Chance Encounters

Chance Encounters
Writer(s)	Steve Lightfoot
Director(s)	Erik Richter Strand
Navigation
Previous	-
Next	Lucid Dreaming

Chance Encounters is the first episode of the first season of the Netflix series Behind Her Eyes.

Synopsis

A spilled drink at a bar leads to an awkward day at work for Louise, who's shaken again by night terrors. David introduces Adele to his new colleagues.

Plot

In the opening scene, we are introduced to Louise, a single mother to her 8-year-old son, Adam. She works as an assistant at Dr. Sharma's clinic three days a week. One evening, after leaving Adam with a friend, she heads to a bar to meet her friend Sophie. However, Sophie cancels at the last minute, leaving Louise to drink alone. As she’s about to leave, she accidentally spills her drink on a man—Dr. David Fergusson. She apologizes profusely, but David dismisses it, saying it's okay. Louise offers him a drink as an apology, and they end up chatting and enjoying each other’s company. As time flies by, they leave the bar together, and David impulsively kisses her. Almost immediately, he pulls away, saying he can't do this, and quickly leaves, leaving Louise confused.

The next day, Louise is shocked to discover that the stranger she kissed is her new boss, Dr. David Fergusson, and that he is married to a woman named Adele, whom we meet later. Louise, embarrassed, hides in the bathroom while Dr. Sharma gives David a tour of the clinic. Later, Louise shares the awkward experience with Sophie, and they laugh it off. That night, Louise has nightmares involving her son, waking up in a panic and crying.

Meanwhile, the scene shifts to David’s home, where we see Adele taking care of him. She expresses how lucky she feels to have him, but it's clear that David is nervous and uncomfortable around her. He insists that Adele take her medication and tells her he’ll call her at 11:30 a.m. to check on her.

At the office, Louise and David have an awkward conversation about the previous night. Louise brushes it off as a misunderstanding, blaming it on being under the influence of alcohol, and David asks her to forget it ever happened, which she agrees to. Later, she helps David by showing him areas on the map where he can assist people struggling with addiction. Meanwhile, Adele is shown lying on her bed, counting her fingers, hinting at her mental fragility.

That evening, David and Adele attend a dinner at Dr. Sharma’s house. When asked why they moved to Central London, Adele explains that she grew up in the countryside and always wanted to live in the city, adding that she wanted David to advance in his career. Back home, David reluctantly follows Adele to her room, and they sleep together, though it’s clear he is uncomfortable.

The scene then shifts to the past, revealing that Adele met a man named Rob while in a mental hospital. She had been admitted after the death of her parents in a house fire, and since then, David had become her guardian, lover, and now husband. In a flashback, David’s burned arm is briefly shown, suggesting a traumatic past event.

Returning to the present, David gives Adele his credit card and phone for her to use while he’s busy over the weekend. Adele is overjoyed, jumping into his lap, though David is visibly uncomfortable. He clarifies that the gesture is practical since he'll be unavailable, and Adele quickly shifts from disappointment to gratitude, saying she’s glad he’s helping people.

At work, David asks Louise about her weekend plans. Wanting to keep her distance, she lies about being busy, despite not having any plans. Louise continues to suffer from nightmares throughout the day. Meanwhile, Adam returns home after spending time with his father, who reveals that his girlfriend is pregnant and they plan to move to France. He asks if Adam can come with them, and after some consideration, Louise agrees.

The following day, Louise is off work and, after dropping Adam at school, she unexpectedly runs into Adele. Adele casually asks if she works for David, and when Louise confirms, Adele invites her for coffee. Louise accepts, and they walk to the café together. The episode ends with Adele staring at Louise in a strangely unsettling manner.

Cast

To Be Added

Music

To Be Added