"Midwest Obsession" (a.k.a., "Beauty's Revenge") is a slow-burner that aspires to be a tale of jealousy and murder. Shakespeare encapsulated the theme perfectly in unforgettable image in "Othello" of the "green-eyed monster." Unfortunately, the film is the tale of extremely deranged and unpleasant psychopath.
Cheryl Ann Davis was a star athlete in high school. Now, she has parlayed her good looks into becoming Cloverdale's "Dairy Princess" and drives around town in a pink convertible. She never recovered from the death of her mother when she was 12, and her stoic, grief-ridden father never has a good word to say about her. That is the backdrop for Cheryl's fixation on dairy farmer Kevin Reese.
The only problem is that Kevin has no inclination to give Cheryl the time of day. He is in love with Beth McKinnis, a dynamic, intelligent, ambitious woman who is the polar opposite of Cheryl.
The main problems with the film were the sluggish pacing and the unpleasant character of Cheryl. It was also incomprehensible that both Kevin and Beth did not recognize Cheryl's pathology sooner and put an end to any contact with her. That would include Kevin not allowing Cheryl to camp out on his property in her trailer. It also would include Beth not allowing Cheryl to sit in her car with her.
The film was based on a true story, and, undoubtedly, the filmmakers attempted to be accurate in recounting the tragedy. But the flimsy character developments, slow pacing, and sordid details of the tawdry relationships made viewing the film an especially uncomfortable experience.
Cheryl Ann Davis was a star athlete in high school. Now, she has parlayed her good looks into becoming Cloverdale's "Dairy Princess" and drives around town in a pink convertible. She never recovered from the death of her mother when she was 12, and her stoic, grief-ridden father never has a good word to say about her. That is the backdrop for Cheryl's fixation on dairy farmer Kevin Reese.
The only problem is that Kevin has no inclination to give Cheryl the time of day. He is in love with Beth McKinnis, a dynamic, intelligent, ambitious woman who is the polar opposite of Cheryl.
The main problems with the film were the sluggish pacing and the unpleasant character of Cheryl. It was also incomprehensible that both Kevin and Beth did not recognize Cheryl's pathology sooner and put an end to any contact with her. That would include Kevin not allowing Cheryl to camp out on his property in her trailer. It also would include Beth not allowing Cheryl to sit in her car with her.
The film was based on a true story, and, undoubtedly, the filmmakers attempted to be accurate in recounting the tragedy. But the flimsy character developments, slow pacing, and sordid details of the tawdry relationships made viewing the film an especially uncomfortable experience.