Fatale
review by Bobby Blakey
Nothing is better and more terrifying in a film than a story about a one night stand that turns deadly. There have been so many films like this and even at their worst leaves that small fear of the real world. The latest, Fatale starring Hilary Swank, Michael Ealy, Mike Colter, Danny Pino, and Tyrin Turner from Black and Blue director Deon Taylor at the helm looks to bring something fresh to the genre, but does it have that dark crazed relationship we expect or will it be a relationship with no bang?
Fatale follows Derrick, a successful sports agent, who watches his perfect life slowly disappear when he discovers that the sexy and mysterious woman he risked everything for, is a determined police detective who entangles him in her latest investigation after a wild one-night stand. As he tries desperately to put the pieces together, he falls deeper into her trap, risking his family, his career, and even his life.
I fully expected that this was going to be yet another predictable crazed relationship film similar to Fatal Attraction and it is exactly that, but with some interesting twists that made it a bit more enjoyable than I had expected. Sure it’s nothing overly new than all the other films of its kind, but it has its moments and most of those are thanks to Hilary Swank.
I’ve never been a big fan of hers, but recognize her talent and hear she shines just for going all in. This is a different kind of role for her and I love that she has been taking on these kinds of things like her role in the underrated The Hunt. This is obviously a different kind of role from that one, but both make her stand out in new ways. She is not just the average jaded affair or weak female character and her
strong nature makes it a character that just feels different complete with a couple of crazed badass moments.
Michael Ealy and the rest of the cast are good as well, but for me it was Swank that made this film work. The story is pretty simple and straight forward, but the clever twist that brings it all together still felt fresh and new despite being on all too familiar territory. There isn’t a lot of mystery here outside of a couple of moments that most will no doubt figure out, but if you dig these kinds of films then this is a decent guilty pleasure entry worth checking out.
Decide for yourself and grab your copy of Fatale available now on Blu-ray and DVD from Lionsgate.
