For all the film’s stylistic innovations and punchy dialogue, the unique relationship between Walter and Keyes turns this lowdown tale of murder and lust into a tragedy. Walter tries to meet the expectations he’s set for himself based on his admiration of Keyes. But this leads to the heartrending moment where Keyes lights Walter’s cigarette in his last moments.
— Brian Eggert (Deep Focus Review)
A rich woman and a calculating insurance agent plot to kill her unsuspecting husband after he signs a double indemnity policy. Against a backdrop of distinctly Californian settings, the partners in crime plan the perfect murder to collect the insurance, which pays double if the death is accidental.