In this film, we have the story of a woman supposedly suffering from HPD - Histrionic Personality Disorder. And the opening sequence, except for the psychiatrist scene, sets the rest of the film up brilliantly. The trouble with the psychiatrist scene is that it all feels too staged. It's quickly edited and after only one session the shrink knows what's going to happen - she appears more a fortune teller than a doctor. It's the way this is delivered and shot that made me cringe inside. It all feels like it's only been added to the film to make everything black and white for the viewer. Give your audience credit, they probably could have figured out the storyline without this horrid scene.
However, that said the rest of the film bears no resemblance to this scene. The director, Curtis Crawford is pretty adept at using lighting, camera work, and location to set the scenes with atmosphere and tension. Though a couple of scenes could have been a little longer to build the tension a little more. It's a shame that he lets the pace slow down a little near the climax when it should be climbing to its zenith.
The acting is above average and I have to say that there is a brilliant scene where Grace (Savre) cuddles up with her man, Robert (Brown), and the look on her face is just so creepy and chilling - awesome scene, nice and powerful. This is one of those movies where the actors really do believe that there are no small parts, for they all give their best, which adds to the power and believability of the story.
As for the story, it's been done before and though there's nothing really new it's still a strong tale. Yes, it might have been nice to see a little more about Grace's background. Not that she may have been through some trauma which has lead her down this path, but of her relationship with her husband as it's evident at the start of the movie he really loves her. A little bit more background leading up to her condition and his death would have made the story stronger. If the writers could have added a few lesser used scenarios and twists this again could have made it stronger.
However, this is a watchable and enjoyable thriller which I would recommend to lovers of this genre and to those who haven't watched this style of film before. If there also happens to be little on to watch when it's raining or snowing outside, this isn't a bad one for a duvet day.
