classicsoncall Review of Fatale

Fatale (II) (2020)

"What you see in the night isn't always what you see in the day."

[7/10 · 23 July 2021]

If you're a perceptive viewer and have seen enough of these types of films, you'll know at the 1:08:40 mark that Val (Hilary Swank) did it, just about a second before Derrick Tyler (Michael Ealy) confirms it with his own suspicion. What Val did you'll have to watch the picture to find out, but know that from there on, the story line careens to an explosive ending with yet another twist that you'll probably see coming, as the gimmick has been used in countless movies. But while all this is going on, it does turn out to be a pretty good thriller that keeps you guessing until you don't have to. The picture does have it's share of clichéd dialog loaded with double entendre, as in my summary line, or when Val suggests to Derrick after a one night stand - "I don't go after something unless I know I can get it". Detective Val Quinlan is one determined police investigator with a personal goal who ensnares Derrick Tyler in a web of deceit of his own making, and you have to wonder just how bad one guy's luck could possibly get.