Is Virtuous Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2015)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2015, Virtuous represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into When college-student Simone Burner (Brandy Allison) is accused of murdering the man who assaulted her, she seeks out the help of attorney Jack Evans (Erik Estrada CHiPs) to prove her innocence. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama 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: "When college-student Simone Burner (Brandy Allison) is accused of murdering the man who assaulted her, she seeks out the help of attorney Jack Evans (Erik Estrada CHiPs) to prove her innocence. A ruthless and corrupt prosecutor engages her in a trial that brings the past she's longed to escape to the forefront of her defense. "Virtuous" is a family friendly film created to inspire and ignite women to live out the principles of Proverbs 31, with non-negotiable convictions of faith, beauty, family and integrity. Featuring a female-led cast that includes Angelita Nelson (Courageous), Erin Bethea (Fireproof), Vanessa Ore (My Name is Paul) and American hero, Jessica Lynch, this film takes us on a journey through the battlefields of Afghanistan, to an American news studio, to a home for troubled girls, and a hometown church, while revealing God's transformative love and grace."

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. Erik Estrada does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Bill Rahn 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 119 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 Virtuous 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 Drama, 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 4/10 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, Virtuous explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2015 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Bill Rahn 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, Virtuous 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 Erik Estrada or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Virtuous is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.