To Kill a Stepfather (2023 TV Movie) User Reviews

Felt like I was watching a really long crime show

[lmnclips2 · 3/10 · 31 July 2023]

This whole movie felt like I was watching a really, really long episode of Law & Order: SVU, with the way it was executed. You can hardly even call it a thriller at all, more like a murder mystery film. I'm not really a fan of murder mystery movies anyways, and this one only cemented that opinion.

With that being said, this was a really boring flick even for Lifetime's standards. There was no thrills, no scares, the lead actresses voice was extremely annoying as was her personality, acting was subpar, the suspect's motives were weak, and the big reveal with Matthew's mistress and murderer being Sadie was meh (I started to suspect her near the end).

Also can we talk about the choice of actors here? I almost thought that the Nicole and Kate characters were supposed to be sisters, Kate looks like she's only 10 years apart from her daughter and Nicole looks like she's in her mid thirties. Nicole and her sister Riley looked more like mother and daughter. That threw me off.

Lastly, not sure if it was somebody else that I saw, but I could've sworn that the actress that played Sadie was in a laundry detergent commercial. Lol.

But yeah, I think it's safe to say that this movie was horrible and is definitely going on my list of worst LT films of this year.

Too contrived

[dianereneew · 3/10 · 3 November 2023]

This felt, to me, like Lifetime was trying this out as a pilot for a new series. The plot was basic and very contrived. All back stories were thrown in as single sentences, explained in a throw away conversation. No real character development, as if writers wanted to save that for "when the show got picked up". Because of this, I found none of the characters interesting or even terribly likeable.

The conversations were all just ones liners that were meant to show (I think) how smart/clever/witty the characters were but there seemed to be no real conversations. The chemistry between the 2 lawyers was so bad that I didn't realize until halfway through the movie that they had previously been in a relationship - I thought they just went to school together.

I love a " bad" Lifetime movie, but this was just a bad movie.

Intriguing...very well done

[DanWeisgerber · 9/10 · 6 August 2023]

I had no expectations one way or the other..when I viewed to kill a Stepfather, mostly just curiosity...I had enjoyed lifetime movies..in the past. I thought this one sounded fascinating, it did not disappoint.

The story was very interesting, with an obvious choice of who the murderer was... but things aren't always what they seem...The drama of solving the crime mixed with the drama within the family kept me on my toes. I must say...I had an idea before the end of what was about to happen..but the acting was wonderful all characters did their parts well. Kudos to a new star on horizon...Alexandra Comacho, playing the lead role of "A top notch L. A. Lawyer" who turns out to be the accused's daughter..with mom issues.... I very much enjoyed this film and would recommend it.

The True Story of Rafferty Rye

[lavatch · 8/10 · 2 August 2023]

Prior his violent death, Matthew Rafferty managed a failing distillery. But the rye that he manufactured was a moot point because the land was worth $1.5 million.

Now, the distillery will be bequeathed to his wife Kate, who is the prime suspect in his murder. Kate's daughter Nicole, a hot shot attorney in Los Angeles, returns to her roots in the small town of Eastborough to defend her mother.

The film was well-directed with a brisk pace and many nuances in characterization. Alex Camacho was terrific in the role of Nicole, the savvy attorney with the conflicted relationship with her mother. The relationship between Nicole and Bobby, the district attorney, was also well-developed.

Early in the film, there was a wake held for Matthew Rafferty. The group scene brought together a wide assortment of suspects with genuine motives to kill an upstanding member of the Eastborough community. Even Kate's younger sister Riley is not without suspicion.

This is an above-average made-for-television movie with an intricate narrative design, first-rate performances, and a clever screenplay that provides a great punch at the end. Well-worth a watch!

not amazing, but not bad either!

[james7744 · 10/10 · 1 August 2023]

Alright, let's chat about "To Kill a Stepfather"! So, I watched the movie, and I have to say, it had this promising murder mystery setup, but boy, did it have its fair share of issues. You know what I mean? Ok, don't even get me started on the predictability! I kept guessing the twists before they even happened.

But you know what really saved the movie for me? The scenes with mother and daughter, Nicole and Kate. Nicole brought this genuine emotional depth to the character. I really liked her performance! She had this authentic vibe going on, which made her scenes with her sister Riley, super engaging. But it always felt like something was missing. Maybe it was the script not giving her character enough depth, or maybe it was the lack of well-rounded character development overall for all the characters. But I kept feeling like there was this untapped potential in her performance that never fully emerged. I will say however, her performance was grounded and believable, not fake, just felt untapped. And then there's Kate! I really liked her portrayal Kate. She managed to capture this raw, emotional turmoil of a woman battling addiction and facing murder accusations. I mean, that scene where she's confronting Nicole and firing her as her lawyer - wow, talk about intense! Sometimes she was a little over the top, but overall, good!

The subtle clues scattered throughout the story keep you engaged, trying to piece everything together, which kept the films momentum up, but overall it didn't feel super strong. Just very simple. Each revelation uncovers another layer of the family's history, making you question the intentions and relationships of the characters involved, which I liked. But then their characters weren't given the proper development they deserved. It's a lifetime movie afterall. You know, one thing that really got me scratching my head was how the cops missed such a crucial piece of evidence - that heart-shaped locket under the rug where he dies! I mean, Nicole found it during her "Nancy Drew" investigation at her family home, but seriously, how on earth did the detectives overlook something so significant? It's like they weren't even trying!

So, while "To Kill a Stepfather" had its issues, it was ultimately Nicole's performance and the moms standout portrayal that kept me invested in the story. Despite some predictability, the plot manages to maintain a level of intrigue that keeps you invested until the very end. You want to see how it all unravels, and you're curious to know if your suspicions about the true culprit are correct. But man, those cops missing the locket and leaving the laptop that's just baffling! They seriously need to brush up on their detective skills Overall, "To Kill a Stepfather" had some major storytelling issues, the mother daughter--they're the reason I wouldn't totally write off the movie.

Great movie!

[film_junkie_78 · 10/10 · 2 August 2023]

To Kill a Stepfather was a really great movie!! This isn't your cliché murder mystery. My fiancé and I watched it together and we had so much fun trying to figure out who did it (unfortunately, he figured it out before I did)! The movie had many twists and turns that kept our attention throughout.

The main actress, Nicole (Alex Camacho), was wonderful. This was the first movie that we have seen her in but probably not the last. She had such an elegant yet powerful way about her. Her demeanor, her voice and her smile really made the movie!

I would definitely watch this movie again. Don't forget the popcorn!

Hot actress!

[fvprbn · 10/10 · 1 August 2023]

Couldn't take my eyes off of the beautiful redhead. She is clearly bound for greatness. More please!

I've never been a big lifetime movie guy. In fact I think this is the first one I've ever seen.

I was hooked right from the very beginning. The Lead actress and her mother had great chemistry. I could feel the "lifetime" of turmoil and tension between them. Sister Riley also did a fantastic job.

This movie did a nice job within is murder mystery genre. The family had fun guessing "who" in the cast of characters "done it".

It is a visually well shot movie that maintains a constant state of suspense for the viewer.

Alex Camacho had beautiful moments through out, and left me wanting more.

Sequel???

Amazing

[Sugar2023 · 10/10 · 1 August 2023]

Usually I'm not a fan of lifetime movies because they can be cringy and predictable. This one was nothing like that! The chemistry and emotions between Nicole and her mom felt so real. There was the perfect amount of drama/mystery/predictability.

The actress who plays Nicole is absolutely gorgeous and brings such realness and emotion. I would love to see her in more movies and shows. Alex was hypnotizing with her acting.

Honestly all the actors did amazing and made all the connections/relationships seem legitimate. I think they picked a great cast. I might even start watching lifetime movies now because of this one.

First Lifetime movie in a long time for me

[deblamb-67764 · 10/10 · 9 August 2023]

I was following the Facebook page prior to the movie coming out and I am glad I watched the movie! I know it is based on a true story and the actors make you feel like you are a part of it! A true mystery to find the guilty person before the actors do! Who doesn't love a true mystery? The actors were great! The story was very intriguing! The movie was worth waiting on.. I can see the lead actress in future movies! She is a natural and a very beautiful lady! I will be watching more Lifetime in the future! I will also be looking into the story the movie is based on as the movie has made me curious...

What a delightful romp with a stellar lead actress.

[enathaniel-05198 · 9/10 · 2 August 2023]

This film is a fun and exciting roller coaster from start to finish. What may start as a typical Lifetime Film, is elevated by the performances of the cast. The show is truly stolen by the lead actress Alex Camacho who truly shines in a leading role that has you terrified for her as she hunts for the killer. She is empathetic and stern when necessary but has a powerful and commanding control of any room she is in. This actresses star will only continue to shine and I can't wait to watch her star in more projects. The supporting cast of family and fellow townspeople round out a truly talented ensemble and this makes for a delightful watch.

Dang!

[spitfire32 · 10/10 · 2 August 2023]

So, I want to start by saying how nice it is to see a fresh face on the tv these days. I mean, we've all seen the Angelina's, Margo's, J Lo's etc. But to sit down on the couch, pop the tube on, and see a classically beautiful unknown actress really shine is just so refreshing and wonderful.

I've been a big fan of Lifetime originals for as long as I can remember. "Death of a Cheerleader" , No one would Tell", "Gracie's Choice", "Fifteen and Pregnant", "Mom at Sixteen", "She's to Young", "A Secret Between Friends", "Lies my Mother told Me", "She Cried No".

I could go on and on. But this one. This one really hit the mark!

~Long time watcher, first time reviewer.

Great show

[hyxsjhkd · 10/10 · 1 August 2023]

Alex did a great job in her first lead role!! She was genuine and natural delivering a great believable performance.

The storyline was very interesting kept moving forward and had twists and turns at all the right moments and was very believable and suspenseful. Took a little bit to figure out who did it! I never lost interest during the course of events leading up to who the culprit was.

The cast really seemed to work well together.

I love movies that make you think and try to figure out who the criminal is!

I really enjoyed the movie and am looking forward to seeing Alex in future roles!