In the structure of "A Murder to Remember," the filmmakers initially give the impression that Javy Rivera died in a hunting accident. But it turns out that appearances are deceiving both to the audience and to the grieving widow, Robin Rivera, who first heard the shot, then came upon her husband's dead body in the forest.
In the film's opening credits, there is a major giveaway in which the audience learns that the story is based on "The Stockholm Syndrome." The perceptive viewer will realize that Robin has been duped by the pathological liar Sam Turner, who utilizes sophisticated psychological "brainwashing" techniques to hold Robin captive for five days, rape her, and erase her memory of the truth.
The film was a by-the-numbers drama, as apparent especially in the routine scene in the psychiatrist's office in which Robin recalled her period of captivity through hypnosis. The best scenes were those involving a savvy police officer, Sheriff Watkins, who slowly comes around to identifying Sam Turner as a suspect, not a bystander.
The performances were solid, especially the young actress playing the distraught Robin. Still, the disturbing flashback scenes and the maudlin moments with Robin and her mother made for grim viewing. The condition of trauma and anxiety were well portrayed, but much of the film's content was difficult to sustain for ninety minutes.
In the film's opening credits, there is a major giveaway in which the audience learns that the story is based on "The Stockholm Syndrome." The perceptive viewer will realize that Robin has been duped by the pathological liar Sam Turner, who utilizes sophisticated psychological "brainwashing" techniques to hold Robin captive for five days, rape her, and erase her memory of the truth.
The film was a by-the-numbers drama, as apparent especially in the routine scene in the psychiatrist's office in which Robin recalled her period of captivity through hypnosis. The best scenes were those involving a savvy police officer, Sheriff Watkins, who slowly comes around to identifying Sam Turner as a suspect, not a bystander.
The performances were solid, especially the young actress playing the distraught Robin. Still, the disturbing flashback scenes and the maudlin moments with Robin and her mother made for grim viewing. The condition of trauma and anxiety were well portrayed, but much of the film's content was difficult to sustain for ninety minutes.