Intimate Stranger
TV Movie (2006)
*WARNING: Contains a sexual assault (see below)
BASIC PLOT:
Like many women, Karen Reese (
Kari Matchett) has a blind spot when it comes to avoiding controlling men. She's had several of these types of relationships, including with her son's father, John. But Denis Teague (
Peter Outerbridge) seems to be different. He's kind, considerate, and good to Karen's son Justin (
Matthew Knight). If Denis really is Prince Charming, then why does Karen feel like something is not right? A bloody red rose was mixed in with a dozen yellow roses from Denis. Someone keeps calling her house, and hanging up. And to make matter's worse, Karen & Justin are hearing strange noises coming from the attic. Is this relationship everything Karen had hoped for, or is danger just around the corner?
WHAT WORKS:
*The cops believe Denis, which is all too realistic. Men know how to manipulate other men into disbelieving women. Men always want to give other men the benefit of the doubt, with the old "women are hysterical" bit.
WHAT DOESN'T WORK:
*Unfortunately, I think
Kari Matchett is too strong a person (in real life), to portray the type of woman who continues to fall for controlling men. She's more the type of person to step on their chest with a stiletto, while snapping a whip. I love
Kari Matchett, I think she's a fantastic actress. But we all know the type of woman she's supposed to be portraying here, and she's not it.
*Who is Randy Stroud? I guess we're supposed to gather he's another crappy ex, but they never explain anything about Randy. One conversation between Karen and her sister would have cleared this up, and the ambiguity would be removed.
*Chloroform is illegal in the USA. Where is Denis getting it?
*If Karen was really this scared, and if she believed she had a phrogger, she would have had her gun at the ready, waaay before she does.
*I know the police would not threatened to shoot a kidnap/rape survivor, even if she had a gun on her attacker. That's just bad writing.
TO RECOMMEND, OR NOT TO RECOMMEND, THAT IS THE QUESTION:
*This is an above average TV movie, but it's still a TV movie. If you go into it with that in mind, it could be an enjoyable watch. I would recommend to anyone who appreciates TV movies, or is a fan of
Kari Matchett.
CLOSING NOTES:
*I abhor trigger warnings, I think woke is a virus. BUT, I think warnings for animal violence and sexual assault are needed. We readily accept these things too easily, without a thought for how the 433,648 people who are sexually assaulted every year might react. I'm not talking censorship; in this movie, the rape is not wanton violence, for violence sake. It is an unfortunate reality of being with a controlling man. But warning a victim who has experienced this type of violence, before they watch, is not unreasonable. Help is available: National Sexual Assault Hotline, Available 24 hours Learn more 1- 800- 656- 4673
*This is a Made-For-TV movie, please keep that in mind before you watch\rate it. TV movies have a much lower budget, and so your expectations should be adjusted.
*I have no connection to the film, or production in ANY way. I am just an honest viewer, who wishes for more straight forward reviews. Hope I helped you out.
