While I don't spend a great deal of time on them, I unabashedly love Lifetime original movies when I do check one out. I really get a kick out of titles that bear such precise varieties: those that are surprisingly sincere and worthy, those that are "a bit much" but still enjoyable, and some others that are so wildly over the top that they become outrageous, funny B-movies. Sometimes one can discern from the title or premise alone what flavor we're going to get; to its credit, 'Lethal love letter' is more discreet. What's strange is that in some ways I feel like this is a blend of each of those styles, and my opinion shifted from beginning to end. For that mixture I ultimately think it's slightly uneven, but I'm pleased to say this is a much better TV movie than I anticipated when I first sat down.
In the most bombastic of Lifetime features, it's deliberately overcooked characters and acting that often bring the humor to the foreground. These are reined in for 'Lethal love letter,' giving the impression that the film is unexpectedly and atypically nuanced. On the other hand, no small amount of the dialogue and scene writing is just as deliciously blunt as we'd assume, especially toward the beginning and at the end, lending to some definite laughs. Meanwhile, though fairly standard fare for Lifetime - there isn't truly any surprise in the plot - the narrative is decidedly even-keeled, with just enough subtlety at first that with sufficient suspension of disbelief one can almost let themselves get absorbed into the story and the idea that it could be one of several people who is stalking protagonist Amelia. My commendations to writer Julian Broudy; this is at once completely within the norm for the network, but a step above.
Broudy's contribution includes what feels like more earnest treatment, compared to this picture's brethren, of the central narrative core and themes. The ideas underlying the story and its characters are all too real as manipulation, control, and misogynist entitlement color a tale that in the most broad strokes would be unhelpfully painted as "domestic violence." As experienced director Jake Helgren helms the production he does a fine job of accentuating these points in the screenplay, orchestrating scenes with a finesse that ably builds and maintains genuine tension and suspense. It helps that, recognizing the distinctly more honest slant of 'Lethal love letter,' the cast is given a space to play in that eschews the goofier side of Lifetime. As such, star Clare Grant is offered (and takes advantage of) a real opportunity to illustrate her skill set as she portrays Amelia with commendable range and nuance. (Yes, that also certainly means leaning into those sparing instances of B-movie bluster.) Rick Malambri turns in a performance as Mark that's suitably dynamic, presenting multiple sides to the supporting character and thusly lending to the verisimilitude of the story. And among others, I also appreciate Krystal Ellseworth, whose depiction of Becca is characterized by gratifying personality. Even in the wackiest of pictures (I'm partial to 'My killer client' as an example) it takes meaningful acting for a player to throw themselves about with such abandon, yet for this to take a different and more serious tack is pleasing.
To top it all off, I actually really like Chris Ridenhour's original music. Though not true across the board, there are some themes woven into his score that are especially ear-catching as they lend to the dark air about the feature. Figure in excellent costume design, hair and makeup work, and set design, and the work put into this from behind the scenes is quite admirable. The cinematography is sharp and vivid, bringing out all the details, and the few overlaid graphics mindfully inserted in post-production are executed well. When all is said and done I truthfully think 'Lethal love letter' is very well made. We often take for granted all the labor that goes into a feature outside the camera's eye, but in this case, what is arguably uncommon for Lifetime, even the major content is approached with attentive sincerity. Writing, direction, acting - I'm as surprised as anyone, but this is a TV movie, from a network with a discrete reputation, that bests expectations. Even at that I can understand that this won't appeal to all comers, but if you're looking for a thriller and open to all the wide possibilities that cinema has to offer, 'Lethal love letter' is better and more deserving than I'd have ever assumed sights unseen. Well done, all!
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