Unforgettable
R | 1h 40min | Drama, Thriller | 21 April 2017 (USA)
Synopsis: A woman sets out to make life hell for her ex-husband’s new girlfriend.
Review: The thriller UNFORGETTABLE is exactly what you would expect it to be. If you try and elevate it too highly you will be very disappointed. If you go in wanting to have some fun, watch some crazy women, and experience a movie of a Lifetime (or I guess that should say a Lifetime movie) you will be somewhat satisfied.
David (Geoff Stults) and his new girlfriend Julia (Rosario Dawson) are trying to take their relationship to the next level. David’s ex wife Tessa (Katherine Heigl) is not too keen on the idea. She tries everything imaginable to tear David and Julia apart. Truth be told Tessa is nuts. And not in that “slightly unstable due to my marriage ending” but more like she is a lifelong, card carrying member of the crazy club. As the movie progresses you get some clues as to why she is so warped but that still doesn’t make her craziness any less fun to watch. And Heigl does a fantastic job of making it fun – and yes very creepy – to watch.
The story is formulaic and, other than a few interesting twists, predictable. We have all seen this premise told in every form imaginable on TV movies and the Lifetime Network. The scorned ex wife seeking vengeance on the new found love is not a new direction in plot. What makes this one succeed at all are the performances by Heigl and Dawson. These are two talented actresses willing to embrace the roles and give it their full attention. Also the dialogue and scenarios try to offer some depth and newness. But not much.
The character of Tessa is entertaining and her back story is almost more intriguing than the main one. You enjoy watching her craziness grow from one level to the next. You hate her for what she is doing to Julia but at the same time as a movie viewer you love her as well. She keeps you engaged and without her there is no reason to watch. Julia too is not without a bit of past mystery and baggage. Though most of that comes out early on it helps to thicken the plot a wee bit.
Cheryl Ladd joins the cast as Tessa’s mother and though it is good to see Ladd (who doesn’t seem to age) on the big screen you soon find that she might be the most manipulative one of the bunch. Her character hearkens back to the days of Knots Landing and Falcon Crest which makes it nostalgically fun. Rounding out the acting team is youngster Isabella Kai Rice who plays David and Tessa’s daughter Lily. She is talented and does what is needed. Though on screen a lot she is never called upon to carry a scene which keeps this a full on adult drama.
UNFORGETTABLE is rated R for sexual content, violence, some language, and brief partial nudity. Again it is an adult film and meant for mature audiences who can at least engage with the story and characters. That said, any element that would give it the R rating is brief and subtle. It really does feel like a late night Lifetime movie and I doubt any fan of the genre would find anything shocking or offensive. I give it 2 out of 5 pony rides. Though the wheels do not totally fall off it feels more like a film you should rent for a few bucks and watch on your couch rather than paying top box office money. I will say it is perfect for a girls night out with friends. If you go in with the right mindset and low levels of expectation you will probably have a lot of fun regardless.
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