Ghostly Echoes Unravel a Veil of Secrets

Read Time:3 Minute, 30 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Mistress
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Genre: Horror, Suspense, Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 46m
Director(s): Greg Pritikin
Writer(s): Greg Pritikin
Cast: John Magaro, Chasten Harmon, Kat Cunning, Aylya Marzolf, Alexandra Grey, James Carpinello, Rae Dawn Chong
Where To Watch: in select theaters and on VOD July 28, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: Immerse yourself in the beguiling world of THE MISTRESS, an entangled journey of love and secrets as newlyweds Parker (John Magaro) and Maddie (Chasten Harmon.) Their narrative unfolds in the picturesque backdrop of a beautiful old home. This sanctuary introduces them to the echoes of love stories of the past and an unnerving chain of nightly disturbances. Maddie is left to navigate the shadowy waters of doubt, pondering the possibility of secrets hidden in her husband's past.

The creative mind behind THE MISTRESS, Greg Pritikin, crafts an engaging narrative that dances gracefully across time, shedding light on the enduring rhythms of human relationships. However, the plot's quality could be improved by more depth in character development, leaving audiences yearning for a deeper connection with the on-screen personas. The striking visuals, at times, are also offset by moments of near boredom visually.

Parker, a budding author, and Maddie find themselves entangled in the haunting disturbances of their new home, mixed with struggles that show their face throughout the film. Parker is spinning tales for his upcoming book while grappling with a ghostly presence seemingly linked to mysterious letters from the past.

As the veil lifts off Parker's secretive past, the narrative grows tense, casting a dimmed light on their otherwise blissful marriage. A seemingly ordinary party becomes a revelation as Parker's history is unveiled more and more. In parallel, the mysterious Dawn (Kat Cunning) comes into focus and stirs the pot further, her enigmatic aura fueling Maddie's insecurities. A housewarming event turns into a suspenseful encounter when Parker spills expands on his stalker to his agent, Rob (Paul Schackman.) Concurrently, lyricist Davey's (James Carpinello) unearthing old love letters and photographs stirs unseen specters within this home.

Despite THE MISTRESS's tantalizing promise of exploring societal patterns and history, it misses the mark in delivering fully fleshed-out characters. Pritikin's cinematography and some effective jump scare offer some consolation, but they can only partially compensate for these narrative misses. Visually the film feels like a tale of two stories created by one team, but it feels like a considerable gaff between them.

Maddie's curiosity sparks a series of unusual activities within their home. The narrative stretches on, making keeping the audience entirely engaged challenging. It lacks in-depth characters that match up to its riveting premise. The late introduction of the plot twist appears more impromptu than planned, leaving the audience's experience shortchanged.

THE MISTRESS winds down as the resonances of the past collide with the present, posing a threat to the stability of Maddie and Parker's relationship. Thus, despite its captivating premise, THE MISTRESS only partially meets its full potential, prompting audiences to ponder the paths yet to be taken.

@blue_fox_entertainment, @BlueFoxEnt, @BlueFox_Ent

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