Murder Most Likely

I first came across this movie because I was looking up Paul Gross' work. I saw my TV listings and noticed it was on CTV (today)! I didn't quite know what to expect. The beginning blurb of the movie explained that it took the facts of the case, but also added bits of fiction. What I liked was how a number of different circumstances brought the whole story together, and showed many sides of the characters and case, for it made it all the more interesting. It moves in chronological order, but does have a bit of straying (with good reason). Obviously, with this type of movie, it had to explain why and how things were occurring with the corresponding scene of a past moment. The ending made me feel like the whole case is still a mystery, and maybe it is. On another note, the casting was flawless, everyone played their part very well, for it was quite believable and realistic.

'Murder Most Likely' has a true crime title that also paints a picture behind the conviction of an ex-RCMP officer accused of killing his wife. It wasn't an air tight case and the sole witness later recanted. This is a made for tv movie that covers this detail amongst many others - some factual, some fiction - in a "true story" package with proper pacing and some standout acting from it's Canadian cast.

In the early 70's Patrick Kelly (Paul Gross) is an exceptional candidate for the RCMP undercover work. It's a nature fit for the man with good looks, charm. He meets Marie (Marie-Josee Croze) while on vacation in Mexico and they get married. A cop's salary isn't much and to afford a luxury lifestyle he'll go to any lengths. Borrow, steal, do jobs for crime figure Sammy (Beau Starr). With the force closing in - suspicions about living beyond his means - he resigns amidst his crumbling marriage and then his wife falls from their highrise condo. With a big life insurance policy.

I'd read the 1996 book 'The Judas Kiss' this is based on so it was easy to see the fabricated parts they added for effect. There was no Sammy, Patrick never remarried in real life. Otherwise this effectively shows you a master manipulator who knew how to game close friends, lovers, the system. Names have been changed too, but it still captures the essence of those involved.

Paul Gross is great in the lead role passing between warm & arrogant. Janine Theriault does justice to a damaged woman in the grips of love, brainwashed or mental illness. Maybe all three. Plus you get good spots from Tom McCamus (I Love A Man in Uniform) and William B. Davis (X Files) as a Toronto homicide detective & an RCMP superior respectively.

I saw 'Murder Most Likely' when it originally aired on CTV and thought I might not ever see it again. For the longest time, it was hard to score a copy. Luckily it's now popping up on streaming services. If you like this genre, this well filmed entry hits all the right notes.

For a TV movie? This is astounding. The quality of the production is amazing. The details in the acting and the unique style of the film make this one to watch out for. And the story? Based on a very intriguing true story. Thanks everyone for making this movie, and showing us how good "made for TV productions can be".

Murder Most Likely was riveting. I think it's groundbreaking in its quality. Superb performances from Paul Gross and Janine Theriault whose acting style is a breath of fresh air from what you normally get from big name actors.

Thumbs up.

Riveting, chilling performance by Paul Gross -- who plays the creepily charming evil twin to the Due South incorruptible decent Mountie he played on TV for years. Did I say chilling? Also disturbing, without needing to have gratuitous violence or a serial killer in it! Based on the book about Patrick Kelly, a real undercover RCMP officer accused of murdering his first wife -- one of the only things they could even try pinning on him.

The story and performances are worthy of a feature film -- production values decent, too, so you won't be distracted by lack thereof, as often happens in MOW. The title is lousy, however -- this is anything but an Agatha Christie novel, although you will be wondering if, indeed, he "dunnit" or not. Worth your two hours.