When Karl Davers invites his fiancée Deanna to the Kentucky estate of his family, it appears as though the genteel company and lush grounds will be the perfect site for the wedding. But for Deanna, it turns out to be a detour through hell.
As if the presence of the domineering mother Ivy and the former girlfriend Sienna are not enough for Deanna to stomach, she has to deal with Karl's step-sister Ruby, whose character is defined by the Electra complex. Ruby is bonded to Karl in such an unhealthy way that it is surprising that the seemingly perceptive Karl has never been aware of her obsession.
A problem with "Engaged to a Psycho" (a.k.a., "Murder at the Mansion") was its predictability. There was never much of a mystery when cupcakes are laced with coconut oil are eaten by the deathly allergic Deanna and her epipens have mysteriously disappeared. Or, when the ring belonging to Deanna's mother suddenly vanishes from her nightstand. Or, when the railing on the boat gives way, and Deanna, who cannot swim, topples into the river. Or, when Sienna Moss is drowned in the river. Or, when the kind gardener Jimmy suffers a fatal heart attack.
Other victims of the past included the family patriarch Mr. Davers, who was reluctant to adopt Ruby. He paid the ultimate price, dying of alleged "accidental dehydration." The same was true for Karl's first fiancée, Nicole, who was burned alive in an another "accident" in the carriage house.
There was some good dialogue, especially Ruby's testimonial to her brother delivered at the pre-wedding get-together. After Ruby rose and delivered her speech, there was not a single jaw left in its correct anatomical place due to Deanna's icky remarks that conveyed nearly everything abhorrent about sisterly love.
But, in the end, the film was a formulaic and slow-paced vehicle set in a creepy mansion, where the genteel folk drop like flies courtesy of Ruby Davers. Ruby needed the wisdom of Deanna's mother, who reinforced in her daughter that "Things may seem tough, but you're tougher." By contrast, Ruby was weak, insecure, and narcissistic.
As if the presence of the domineering mother Ivy and the former girlfriend Sienna are not enough for Deanna to stomach, she has to deal with Karl's step-sister Ruby, whose character is defined by the Electra complex. Ruby is bonded to Karl in such an unhealthy way that it is surprising that the seemingly perceptive Karl has never been aware of her obsession.
A problem with "Engaged to a Psycho" (a.k.a., "Murder at the Mansion") was its predictability. There was never much of a mystery when cupcakes are laced with coconut oil are eaten by the deathly allergic Deanna and her epipens have mysteriously disappeared. Or, when the ring belonging to Deanna's mother suddenly vanishes from her nightstand. Or, when the railing on the boat gives way, and Deanna, who cannot swim, topples into the river. Or, when Sienna Moss is drowned in the river. Or, when the kind gardener Jimmy suffers a fatal heart attack.
Other victims of the past included the family patriarch Mr. Davers, who was reluctant to adopt Ruby. He paid the ultimate price, dying of alleged "accidental dehydration." The same was true for Karl's first fiancée, Nicole, who was burned alive in an another "accident" in the carriage house.
There was some good dialogue, especially Ruby's testimonial to her brother delivered at the pre-wedding get-together. After Ruby rose and delivered her speech, there was not a single jaw left in its correct anatomical place due to Deanna's icky remarks that conveyed nearly everything abhorrent about sisterly love.
But, in the end, the film was a formulaic and slow-paced vehicle set in a creepy mansion, where the genteel folk drop like flies courtesy of Ruby Davers. Ruby needed the wisdom of Deanna's mother, who reinforced in her daughter that "Things may seem tough, but you're tougher." By contrast, Ruby was weak, insecure, and narcissistic.