“SECRET OBSESSION” is now streaming on Netflix from director Peter Sullivan. The cast is headlined by Brenda Song, Mike Vogel, and Dennis Haysbert. The story follows a young woman named Jennifer that awakes from a recent accident with no memory of who she is. Her husband is by her side helping but as she recovers, she begins to suspect her life wasn’t the happy one that she assumed.
Now this is a unique film. Primarily in the fact that there is little about it to consider unique but is still oddly enjoyable. It has a made-for-TV vibe and the script is completely on the predictable side. There certainly are some plot-conveniences to look past as the story progresses through the usual tropes as well. The performances from the supporting cast are not amazing by any stretch, however the lead duo of Vogel and Song, along with Haysbert, do show genuine effort in their roles. But with all that said there is still a certain level of unintentional interaction that makes this movie sort of fun in its own way.
I watched with my wife and we had a surprisingly good time predicting story-arcs and character motivations. Sure, we didn’t connect with the level of intensity the story was trying to capture. Yet it was effective in piquing our curiosity as we talked back-and-forth while watching, forecasting story turns and pointing out subtle conveniences. It wasn’t mentally captivating, but it was still engaging for a quick night with a movie. It doesn’t require full attention but with just enough effort from Song’s lead performances, it does admittedly build some interest in how it will all go down.
Sure, it was mostly to see who in the room was right with guessing the outcome. But even that is its own type of movie entertainment that people like from time to time. There was enough effort to create a film that isn’t so bad its good. But is just good enough to make watching the movie fun by sort of making a game of it. That isn’t to speak down on this movie, but with the predictability level it’s hard to expect viewers to experience this as the emotionally gripping story it wants to be. But it captures just enough sincerity from the lead character to create a modest level of interest.
However, despite its appeal in some respects. From a critical outlook there is little here to compliment. I thought Brenda Song was solid in the lead. She showed effort and she doeas make the most of the material. But it was still very recycled material that didn’t take many creative risks. The story-line was much the same with a collection of genre tropes we have seen before, with the placement we have seen before. The characters were lacking creative ambition as well with each of their arcs being ones, we have already experienced. So, if something new and mentally engaging is what you want, I don’t think this one will give you that.
Like I said it has a TV movie feel to it with familiar camera techniques and editing choices. It has a very clean feel to it that doesn’t complement the emotionally dark tone the subject matter is shooting for. And the musical score is also on the generic side. But with all that said, if you want to sit down for a couple drinks with a significant other or some friends to watch a predictable film that sort of creates an interactive atmosphere while watching then give it a shot. The run-time is short, and it isn’t terrible, just horribly uninspired. It works for a purpose. Maybe not the one it set out for, but a purpose nun the less. Sometimes you don’t need a mental escape to have a good time with a film. This one in a way makes a game out of watching which does have some value. Check out the trailers and make your predictions and if you see what you like, give it a shot.
GRADE: 60%
