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Cruise Ship Murder (2024)
Olivia Goes Cruising
Miss Olivia Toller is an investigative reporter who lost her dear aunt, Theresa McNeil, who apparently drowned during a cruise. Shockingly, the autopsy revealed instead that Theresa was murdered. Olivia moves into high gear to search for the truth.
Olivia's suspicions are raised about her uncle Ian McNeil, who changed his name after the death of his first wife by suicide. But after Ian suddenly and unexpectedly dies, Olivia is stumped about who killed her aunt.
It is at this moment that the quick-thinking Olivia decides to go cruising! First, she takes a short cruise and discovers an eyewitness who last saw her aunt alive. Her investigative work then leads her to a shady figure named Colin Barth. Barth was having an affair with Theresa, and he was likely involved in the death both wives of Ian.
In another instance of cruising in a bar, Olivia visits Happy Hour at Nolan's where she meets Colin. It was a big stretch to think that Olivia would hook up with Colin at the bar and adjourn to his apartment. But that is exactly what she does in the film's rather contrived ending.
Throughout the film there was good suspense, and the scenes aboard the cruise liner were convincing. A loose end in the film was the result of the attack of Olivia's rival reporter, who dropped out of the film after being attacked.
Olivia's best prospect for a mentally healthy male is likely the kind steward she met on her cruise. Romance now beckons as she boards the ocean liner with her friend Callie!
Who's Stalking My Family (2024)
"Parents Are People!"
There could have easily been an opera libretto incorporated into this wild domestic melodrama.
At one point in the film, an adult is trying to make excuses for her sister's strange behavior, and she exclaims to the teenage child, "Parents are people!" In this story, however, the parents have messed up their lives to the degree that the dramatic action goes well beyond the stalking of a family indicated in the title. Instead, multiple families seem to be stalking each other!
Ivy Miller is raising her teenage daughter Sadie when a strange high school senior named Colton keeps showing up at their home on the pretext of being tutored in math by the sophomore Sadie. Colton looks longingly at the mother Ivy in a quite different way than he does Sadie. He seems especially like a pervert when he sneaks in the house and steals a photo of the mother and daughter.
Ivy's sister Lilly also figures in the melodrama with her estranged, abusive husband Pete doing a good amount of stalking and kidnapping. A kind neighbor is killed by a different stalker. And Ivy's erstwhile boyfriend Leo is apparently shot by another stalker.
It was difficult to genuinely empathize with any single character in this film, as each one seemed to be wallowing in victimhood. Parents may be people, but this particular batch seemed trapped in either a mental asylum or an opera by Verdi.
A Deadly Bridenapping (2021)
Matters of Trust
Miss Leah Mitchell has finally found the love of her life in Mr. Mark Daniel Pfieffer. But strange developments occur preventing them from pulling the trigger on their fastidiously planned wedding.
The wedding is first disrupted when Leah is kidnapped by Mark's ex-girlfriend Faith Keppler. But Leah comes to suspect that Faith was only trying to protect her from the clutches of man whose real name is Brian Hoffner, a super control freak who led Faith into the nightmare of PTSD due to his abusive treatment of her.
The excellent cast succeeded in building suspense as the quick-thinking Leah began an earnest search to understand her kidnapper through tracking down Faith's psychiatrist at St. Percy's psychiatric institute. Mark's gradual evolution into a monster was effectively portrayed by the actor.
The only shortcoming of the film was the abrupt ending. There should have been a denouement that informed the viewers about what happened to Faith. It may have been a stretch to believe that anyone could be as controlling as "Brian." But the filmmakers made an earnest effort at making the story credible.
My Mother Stole My Life (2024)
All Roads Lead to Springfield
A more accurate title of this film would be "My Mother Borrowed My Identity." That is precisely what occurs when Susan Davrou flees from the clutches of her wayward husband Cliff after she observes a dead body in their home.
Susan's escape takes the form of a mad dash from Pottstown, Pennsylvania to Springfield, Massachusetts. The latter would appear to be a safe haven for abused women. That is the gist of a long monologue spoken by Martha, my favorite character in this film.
Martha runs a bed-and-breakfast with the name of Susan's favorite flower, lavender. In Martha's speech, it almost appears as though she is operating a way station on a modern Underground Railroad for women. Martha even offers a glowing recommendation to the owner of a boutique, who will hire Susan.
Unfortunately, the safe haven of Springfield turn out to be not very secure. Susan's husband makes a beeline to the Lavendar suites. And Susan's daughter Natalie also arrives along with Tom Cullen, an apparent friend of the family.
The cast was excellent, and there was good dramatic tension building to the climactic scene at the Lavendar suites. The filmmakers were successful in connecting all of the dots and adding an effective twist about Cliff. The most moving action of the film was the movement towards a heartfelt reunion of mother and daughter that demonstrated how all roads lead to Springfield.
Woman of the Hour (2023)
Great Work by Anna
Sheryl, the protagonist of "Woman of the Hour" was well-acted by Anna Kendrick. The recreation of the 1970s program "The Dating Game" was also effective in juggling satire with dark humor.
There was a genuinely sinister quality evoked by the character of Rodney, Contestant #3. On the downside, there was far too much emphasis on the flashbacks. The evil nature of Rodney eventually became redundant.
One of the most intriguing characters was Laura, who recognized Rodney during the television program and tried to alert the authorities. The film's theme about the lapses due to the incompetent security guard and the feckless detective approached by Laura came across in the heroic stand this character was taking.
Anna Kendrick developed a sensitive yet strong character in Sheryl. With the exception of the protracted flashback scenes, the film was compelling and important in raising awareness about crime and the significance of an alert citizenry.
Blackmail, Lies and Murder (2024)
Let's Make a Deal!
I liked this film adaptation of Hitchcock more than other reviewers on the site. In Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train," there was a psychological dimension absent in this version. But there were still some good twists and unique features of the film.
There was a good connection between Candace and Kristen, as well as good dramatic tension unfolding after the death of Candace's controlling mother-in-law Iris. There was also a thoughtful development of the mother-daughter relationship in Candace and Avery.
The camera work in this film captured in close-ups the claustrophobia felt in the characters' lives. But the climactic scene required more attention to medium shots for the viewers to understand the wild struggle in the kitchen.
There was a surprisingly sympathetic treatment of Kristen by Candace in the film's denouement. It was seemingly forgotten that Kristen had committed cold-blooded, premeditated murder in the death of Iris.
The legal system may have been lenient on Kristen's murder of the vile Nathan. But that certainly would not have been the case for killing of Iris. Unless, of course, the trial were taking place in New York or California.
Obsession: Escaping My Ex (2020)
"Don't Call Me Nick!!!"
There was a fair amount of suspense in the story of the daring escape from prison of Nicholas Bransworth. Nick makes a beeline for his ex Madison Turner, then kidnaps her and holds her ransom for a million dollars.
Unfortunately, the scenes between Nick and Madison were long and unpleasant, and it was clear that the deranged Nick could turn on a dime at any moment with his hair-trigger temper. He was also suffering from a deep psychosis. It was unclear why hated his own name to the degree that he insisted Madison refer to him as "Blake."
It was disappointing that Nick's equally troubled sister Lisa dropped out of the film at the midpoint. Hers was a lively character, but it only served as a placeholder.
The best part of the film was the close bonding of the sisters, Madison and Evie. The latter worked hard to secure the ransom. And the quick-thinking Evie even discovered Madison's whereabouts through attention to a photo and the sound of a train whistle over the phone.
The climactic scene suffered from poor choreography. Madison kept holding the knife as Nick was waving his revolver. What was she waiting for? At least the film's title was fulfilled as Madison was finally able to escape permanently from her ex.
The Life I Can't Remember (2024)
Remembrance of Things Past
It was not a healthy sign when Emma Johnson awoke in a hospital bed and was unable to recognize her husband Dean. It was even more troubling as the action developed that she appeared to feel no affection for this strange man.
This film makes use of the formulaic "amnesia" film in which a woman is victimized by a schemer. The main area of suspense in the film was whether Dean was out for Emma's money. Or, was obsessed with her personally and romantically?
The scenes where the couple was retiring for the night and in bed together were never made credible. It was difficult to imagine that Dean would not lay a paw upon Emma ... or that Emma would not send Dean to the couch in the living room until her memory returned.
The most interesting scenes were those with the appropriately named Detective Wise. The quick-thinking detective instantly recognized that something was "off" with Dean Johnson. It was interesting to follow how she assembled the evidence that led her to understand Emma's predicament.
The film's ending was disappointing in failing to reveal what happened to Dean after he was clocked on the head by a shovel. Did he die? Or, is he now sporting an orange jumpsuit as he recovers from his own case of amnesia?
Picture Perfect Lies (2021)
The Telltale Birthmark!
Rachel Collins is celebrating her sixteenth birthday when a real damper puts an end to the party. Her dear Aunt Jenny is discovered floating in the family pool. Just before her death, Aunt Jenny was about to confess a secret to young Rachel. The film unfolds the mysterious background of Rachel's past.
A turning point in the action occurs when Rachel's quick-thinking boyfriend Adam notices a strange coincidence in a baby photo discovered by Rachel and her bestie Ava at the home of the deceased Aunt Jenny. The sharp-eyed Adam observes a birthmark on the baby's hand that identical to the one belonging to Rachel!
Another reviewer on this site astutely compared the film to a Nancy Drew mystery. As the three young sleuths, Rachel, Adam, and Ava, proceed with their investigation, the film's melodramatic style virtually turns into an opera. The reunion of Rachel's long-lost parents in Colorado at the same park where she was kidnapped required the musical score of a Verdi.
One of our favorite actresses, Laurie "Lifetime" Fortier, plays the role of Angela Collins, the emotionally wounded and deranged "mother" of Angela. It was quite the roller coaster ride to observe the transformation of Angela from the perfect mother into a monster. It was unclear at the end if Angela was residing in a prison or a nut house. But her fall from grace was all because of the telltale birthmark.
She's Obsessed with My Husband (2024)
No Shrinking Violet Here!
Violet could never get over her crush on a high school classmate, Garrett Hawkins. Indeed, her marriage ended because she could not stop staring at an old photo of them together. Needless to say, her husband had his fill of Violet.
With her hefty marriage settlement, Violet purchases the home next door to Garrett, his wife Daisy, and their young daughter Allison. What follows is a lively "home-wrecking thriller," due in large part to the character of the monomaniacal Violet.
It was curious how Daisy had seemingly completely forgotten the circumstances of how she stole Garrett away from Violet just prior to the high school prom. For Garrett's part, he is somewhat contrite and apologizes to Violet. But both Garrett and Daisy are glacially slow in figuring out the true intentions Violet harbors for the boy next door.
One of the most interesting characters was young Allison, who was the first to suspect the intentions of Violet. The two characters actually bonded in a way that allowed Allison to share a little secret about her own identity that she could not share with her parents. It was the quick-thinking Allison who tracked down Violet's ex-husband, and she was also able to acquit herself admirably in handling a shovel!
A question for all viewers to ask after watching this film: "Pie, anyone?"
Separated Sisters (2024)
Good Trick Photography!
The time-honored story of twins reunited after years of being separated in a staple in the theater. Typically, this formula is the springboard for comedy with mix-ups and confusion in the interaction of the twins. In this film, however, there was a sinister edge to the action as the investigative reporter Anya probes into the background of her adoption and that of her twin sister Sarah.
The filmmakers skillfully used trick photography and slick editing when the twins were together. Those scenes were quite credible. The actress playing Anya/Sarah also did a good job in differentiation of character with the supremely confident Anya contrasted with the withdrawn and insecure Sarah.
The Bayfield community was full of sinister types with any number of possibilities for who was the diabolical Dr. Darvrou who was exploiting twins in the interest of "science." But a major shortcoming was the climactic scene that was choreographed awkwardly. There was a mad chase in which Anya was seeking to rescue her twin who was about to be asphyxiated and her daughter Mia who was all tied up.
Anya, please pick up the gun before allowing the villain to recover after you clocked her!
The Daughter I Gave Away (2024)
The Magical Appearing Screwdriver
No one can rival the shrewd, witty, and priceless reviews of Lifetime movies on the "Lifetime Uncorked" website. But one point that was missed in their recap of "The Daughter I Gave Away" was when the bad actor cop Gary was stabbed in the back with a screwdriver that seems to come out of nowhere. The scene was so startling that a better title for the film would have been "The Magical Appearing Screwdriver."
The moment described above is a turning point in the recovery of Rebecca (Bec), the long lost daughter once given up for adoption by the investigative reporter Cynthia Robins.
While there was an earnest attempt to develop the action of a mother desperately seeking to reunite with her daughter, there were too many far-fetched scenes that stretched credibility and lapsed unintentionally into comedy.
Examples of the jaw-dropping moments include the moment when Sheriff Mullins (who likely sleeps while wearing his trooper's hat) takes Maureen into the interrogation room on the FIRST floor of the police headquarters. But the quick-thinking Cynthia somehow enters a room to eavesdrop on the conversation on the SECOND floor of the facility.
Another preposterous moment was the revelation of Bec leaving home to get away from the monstrous actions of Gary. But instead of running away, she inexplicably chooses to hide is in the family's storage unit! It is there that the action comes to a head with the magical appearance of a screwdriver!
The Juror (1996)
Annie and Her Teacher
Annie is an avant-garde artist and single mom. When she is called to jury duty, she is clearly naive about the stakes involved in convicting a mob boss for murder.
Instantly, Annie is harassed by the mob family to sway the jury to an acquittal of a very scary figure of Louie Boffano. A nefarious creature identifying himself as "The Teacher" is chosen to coerce the jury.
Alec Baldwin plays the teacher role with great relish, sadistically threatening Annie with harming her little boy Oliver if she does not comply. The Teacher also develops a personal obsession with Annie that may lead him to let down his guard.
Overall, the film was routine and predictable. For example, Annie's best friend Juliet urges her to visit the judge and report the harassment. It is clear at the outset that Juliet will become collateral damage.
The film was still a compelling roller coaster ride with the backstory of the Boffano crime syndicate enmeshed with the sociopathic Teacher. Overall, the portrayal of the legal system was not very flattering with a set of spineless jurors and a judge who was likely corrupt.
Everything comes to a head in of all places an ancient Mayan temple in Mexico! The cast was excellent, and there were outstanding locations chosen for filming this lively thriller.
Perfect Stranger (2007)
Cross and Double Cross
"Perfect Stranger" was a well-crafted thriller with an intriguing set of characters.
Rowena Price is an aggressive investigative reporter seeking a scoop that will advance her career. She seizes on the death of a friend named Grace to hunt down the killer.
The strength of the film was in the uncovering of multiple layers of depravity in the characters. Rowena's assistant Miles turns out to be especially suspicious with the secret room in his apartment, suggesting his own obsession with Rowena.
A major focus of attention is on the oily ad executive Harrison Hill. Rowena's investigation uncovers evidence pointing to Hill's romantic involvement with Grace. Hill's jealous and possessive wife Mia is also suspicious. A series of double-crosses by characters hiding the secrets of their past figures prominently in the action.
The film was stylishly directed with inventive locations, set-ups, lighting, and costuming. An effective plot twist at the end made the film a cut above most formulaic thrillers.
Canary Black (2024)
Fast and Furious
There was plenty of action in this well-paced, high-tech thriller. And Kate Beckinsale is great as the independently-minded CIA agent Avery Graves, who attempts to save the life of her British fiance David by thwarting a doomsday device in a top-secret file she must steal.
The principal setting appears to be an unspecified Eastern European city. For a long stretch of the film, the action occurred in a dark, subterranean world. But overall, the lighting was extremely dark, creating an effective mood, but limiting the ability to see faces clearly.
The film's most intriguing twist concerned the mild-mannered David. The filmmakers left open the possibility of a sequel in the uncertainty about David's whereabouts at the end.
The film is worth watching for the character of Avery and her daredevil antics, including flying on a drone up a skyscraper.
Don't Scream, It's Me! (2024)
Bonnie and Clyde Redux
This film was a cross between Romeo & Juliet and Bonnie & Clyde, with an emphasis on the latter.
Liz is stuck in a lackluster marriage to a cop named Jay. But her heart really belongs to Drew, her first love. In order to fulfill their dreams, Drew had tried to rob a bank and has spent years in prison. But suddenly, Drew escapes and shows up at Liz's home in an orange jumpsuit. Liz then becomes his accomplice.
It was difficult to believe that the palatial home in the hills could have been acquired on a cop's salary and that of a nurse. But the house afforded the context for a lot of scampering through the various rooms when Drew's nefarious accomplice Frost arrives on the scene.
My favorite character was Mallory, the little waitress who was knocked unconscious by Frost and placed in the trunk of her car. When she was rescued by Drew and Liz, Mallory acts like she is drunk, not like she has a concussion.
The film's style toggled between wild farce and maudlin sentimentality, especially in the flashbacks to the young romantic couple of Liz and Drew. The film was crisply directed, and there was snappy dialogue. But while inspired by true events, it is unlikely that the real story bore much resemblance to this modern spinoff on the antics of Bonnie and Clyde.
Martingale (2024)
Meet Debbie Downer
There should have been a degree of empathy for the protagonist Natalie (Andi), whose daughter was murdered and the perpetrators never apprehended. Unfortunately, Andi's grief was translated into a pathetic vendetta that was amateurish and almost pointless.
It was especially difficult to believe the characters and the various relationships in this film. Their actions were not clearly motivated, such as the ex-husband showing up and running interference for Andi.
It was also unclear what was the purpose of Andi's lover Whit. She never opened up to him about her personal life, leading him to leave for Arizona without her.
Overall, the characters and situations were unpleasant, and the style of the film never achieved a coherent identity. Instead of "Martingale," a better title would have been "The Trials and Tribulations of Debbie Downer."
My Professor's Deadly Secret (2024)
The Joy of Mathematics
The Swanson family is in for a wild roller coaster ride when Ph. D. candidate Kristy is retained to tutor the young math student Lauren. The parents, John and Helen, instantly take a liking to Kristy. Then, the nightmare begins.
The "Lifetime Uncorked" website reviewer did not like the sexual shenanigans that were part of Kristy's diabolical plan to worm her way into the lives of the Swansons. But the film wouldn't have been as lively without the "shower scene" when poor John believes that he is joining his wife in the shower, only to discover the math tutor Kristy who creatively lured him into a set-up worthy of a scene out of French farce.
John was actually the most decent character in the film. His shrewish mother Susan made her daughter-in-law's life miserable. Lauren was a spoiled brat. Helen apparently took no interest in her baby niece given up for foster care. And Professor Trish was a genuine practitioner of chaos theory: not only did she surrender her child to focus solely on her career, but when the daughter grew into a bright math student, Professor Trish stole her research!
By the end of this film, viewers may be searching for an "Ending Explained" essay. It may be a difficult determination as to whether the film is an example of Greek tragedy in the Electra complex or the horror genre with the finest example of "the shower scene" since Hitchcock's "Psycho." In the end, one can only marvel at the joy of mathematics, especially when the numbers are applied to a DNA test for young Kristy.
Deception (2008)
Good Cat-and-Mouse Game
There was a good "bait and switch" routine in the relationships of Wyatt Bose and Jonathan McQuarry. One was a slick attorney, and the other was a mild-mannered accountant. The pair engage in a psychological war of wits.
It was clear at the outset that when Jonathan suddenly found in his possession the cell phone of Wyatt, the phone signalled the start of a diabolical bait and switch, drawing Jonathan into the spider web of deceit engineered by Wyatt.
The performances were outstanding in the contrasting character developments. The production values were also inventive in evoking malodorous environments as the settings for a sleazy and corrupt corporate world.
The star-studded cast seemed to relish in chewing the scenery in this well-crafted thriller of greed and decadence.
Surviving the Sleepover (2024)
Playing with Fire
This is a "Debbie Downer" type film. Young Hannah and her mother Jessica are still grieving the loss of a husband and a father when they make a move to the town where Jessica grew up. Both characters feel responsible for the man who died in a fire when Jessica was away visiting her sister Tracy and Hannah sneaked out of the house to go to a party.
Another fire may be in the offing with a pyromaniac named Melissa who invites Hanna for a sleepover at her mansion. One thing leads to another, and Melissa has stabbed one of her friends and smothered another.
Hannah had an opportunity to leave the party when she was thrown into the swimming pool by Melissa. Instead, she chose to stay with devastating consequences.
Much of the action was clumsy, as when Melissa and her hulky stepbrother Cameron somehow are able to transport the stabbed Abby, the smothered Charlotte, and the unconscious mother of Hanna to the home under construction by Jessica and set it ablaze, leaving behind Hannah's cell phone as incriminating evidence.
The film artists never achieved a genuine style for the film. There could have been a dimension of horror or dark comedy. Instead, it was just an unpleasant viewing experience. It was not even clear at the end what would be the fate of Melissa. One can only hope that she will get the help that she so desperately needs and deserves.
Side Hustle Nightmare (2024)
Rideshare, Anyone?
Angela Turner is a widow raising her teenage daughter Brianna. In order plan for her daughter's college education, Angela takes a "side hustle" in addition to her accounting job. The part-time job is driving for a rideshare company. Angela's first impression is that the job allows her to meet a lot of interesting people. But then, the nightmare begins.
After Angela is rescued from a near assault by one of her passengers, she begins a relationship with her rescuer, Aaron Harris. His nephew Jason also strikes up a friendship with young Brianna. The action unfolds with a set of strange coincidences and a genuine sense of menace for Angela in her association with Aaron.
Two of the most interesting characters were the teens, Jason and Brianna. They show both wisdom and ingenuity in addressing Angela's situation which becomes more and more dire as the action progresses.
An especially strong performance was turned in by actor David D'Lancy Wilson, whose interpretation of Aaron ran the gamut of gentlemanly decorum to extreme vulnerability to unhealthy obsession.
The acting company seemed to be relishing the opportunity to explore their characters' subtext and to evoke a creepiness out of the mundane experience of rideshare.
Her Fatal Fling (2024)
Welcome to L.A.!!!
There was a style of high camp in "Her Fatal Fling" that made this potboiler a watchable film.
The superficial lifestyles of the rich and famous of L. A. were on display in the phony glitz and glamor of tawdry costuming and excessive make-up, especially in the film's villain, Eve Hollis.
Eve's problem was not her background growing up in a Kansas religious cult. Rather, it was the abusive treatment of her mother by a vicious father that compels Eve to lash out whenever she feels threatened.
The main relationship unfolding is that Eve and an obnoxious influencer named Aiden. It will only be a matter of time before Eve is triggered when slighted by Aiden.
Eve's psychiatrist Dr. Ron is played by fan-favorite and national treasure, Eric Roberts. There will be a payoff in the character of the shrink that will be evident in the film's chilling ending.
Viewers can make up their own minds about the degree of success the filmmakers achieved in a movie with elements of the horror, slasher, or femme fatale style, all of which are appropriate for a temptress character named Eve.
Nobody Dumps My Daughter (2024)
A Case Study in Egoism
It was a considerable achievement of the filmmakers to undertake the project of transferring to the screen an extraordinarily complex murder committed in Texas in the early 1990s. The true story included two trials and a number of perpetrators who had fled the country. The film succeeded in giving the story a coherent shape.
Mary Ramirez was a mother who treated her daughter Theresa as an extension of herself, as opposed to an autonomous young adult. When Theresa broke up with her high school boyfriend, Mary first sought a reconciliation of the youngsters, then she plotted the young man's murder.
The boyfriend Jimmy Simpson was interpreted with great empathy in the film. He was only seventeen when he found himself foreseeing his future as being hounded by a shrewish mother-in-law. His senseless death was portrayed in a moving way in the film.
One shortcoming of the film was the simplistic psychological portrayal of Mary Ramirez, whose problems seemed to stem from the tragic death of her son in an automobile accident. But her aberrant behavior pointed to much more serious mental illness related to Mary's unchecked egotism and inability to perceive reality. In a crucial scene, Mary informs her daughter that the death of Jimmy now means that Theresa has her virginity in tact! In a state of shock, the daughter instructs her mom as follows: "It doesn't work that way!"
In a review posted on the website "Lifetime Uncorked," the film and the performance of the actress performing Mary were both panned. But film is well worth viewing and the work of the actress was superb. It is important to recognize that the perspectives of critics are for the most part worthless, and viewers must make their own determinations about any work of cinema.
Secrets at the Museum (2023)
Talented Young Artists Caught Up in a Melodrama
The focus of the film was on a group of young painters whose greatest aspiration is to have their work displayed at the distinguished Freeman museum.
A problem with the screenplay was that the narrative design was overly complicated. It was not clear why young Natalie Freeman would change her name, then suddenly revert back to the surname of Freeman after the death of her father.
Another troublesome aspect of the film was the substandard quality of the paintings. Some were truly appalling. It was difficult to believe some of these ghastly works were considered masterpieces worth millions and subject to the work of skilled forgers.
The romantic connection between Natalie and Alex was underdeveloped and strained. Each character was withholding vital information in their secrets. By the end, it was difficult to believe they could so easily patch things up and let bygones be bygones.
Although the pacing of the film was effective, the acting was rather wooden and the exterior footage was unimaginative. Even the grand Freeman institute did not look like a real museum.
The Book Club Murders (2024)
Who Is Alethia?
The name Alethia is derived from the Greek word meaning truth. In the film, the word is appropriated by an anonymous sociopath sending threatening letters of revenge to members of the community.
Those receiving the letters are part of the Back Forty Book store reading club which is run by Wendy Novak. Her newest member is Natalie Johnston, a widow, living with her taciturn teenage daughter, Gwendolyn Eleanor "GG" Johnston.
The focus of this thriller is the mother-daughter relationship of Natalie and GG. Both are recovering from the tragic death of Natalie's husband, who died in a home fire. We know that the fire was set by author of the Alethia letters due to the film's prologue.
A shortcoming of the film was the absence of creepiness among the members of this incestuous community. The only character with an edge was Sadie, the wife of the inept detective investigating the poison pen letters of Alethia.
There also was not enough genuine affection registered between Natalie and GG. The mom withheld the psycho's letter addressed to GG, which was a mistake. It turns out that GG is the best detective equipped to discover the mystery of who is Alethia.
This was a routine, but fairly watchable thriller. Due to the bad blood in this community, it was surprising that the book club was still functioning at the end.