RATING★ 3.9
WORTH IT? NO
A Deadly Affair backdrop
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for A Deadly Affair.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is A Deadly Affair Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

Mary (Austin Highsmith) and Charlie's (Alan Powell) marriage had become a little rocky, he forgot their anniversary whilst she almost slept with their friend Trevor (Luke Edwards) whose partner, Susan (Valerie Azlynn), is always working as she is a lawyer. But Mary is becoming suspicious of Charlie when he says he is working late on a property he is renovating and decides to show up there unannounced only to find him dead. With Charlie's sister, Crystal (Lorna Street Dopson), suspecting that Mary might have done it and with police investigating she turns to Susan for legal help.

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✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of TV Movie, Thriller cinema, then A Deadly Affair offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2017 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of TV Movie films
Fans of Thriller films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

A Deadly Affair, a standout production of 2017, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the TV Movie, Thriller landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Mary (Austin Highsmith) and Charlie's (Alan Powell) marriage had become a little rocky, he forgot their anniversary whilst she almost slept with their friend Trevor (Luke Edwards) whose partner, Susan (Valerie Azlynn), is always working as she is a lawyer. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of TV Movie, Thriller are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Mary (Austin Highsmith) and Charlie's (Alan Powell) marriage had become a little rocky, he forgot their anniversary whilst she almost slept with their friend Trevor (Luke Edwards) whose partner, Susan (Valerie Azlynn), is always working as she is a lawyer. But Mary is becoming suspicious of Charlie when he says he is working late on a property he is renovating and decides to show up there unannounced only to find him dead. With Charlie's sister, Crystal (Lorna Street Dopson), suspecting that Mary might have done it and with police investigating she turns to Susan for legal help."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Valerie Azlynn provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by David Bush is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 90 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is A Deadly Affair truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of TV Movie, Thriller, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 3.9/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, A Deadly Affair explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and David Bush respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, A Deadly Affair is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Valerie Azlynn or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, A Deadly Affair is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: INTERESTING - VIEW WITH CAUTION

⏳ Time Investment

90MIN

At approximately 1.5 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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