The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
‘FATAL AFFAIR’
Nia Long, Omar Epps star in predictable stalker thriller on Netflix
Some guys really can’t take a hint. ¶ Consider, for instance, David — Omar Epps’ character in the new Netflix psychological thriller “Fatal Affair.” ¶ He has a major thing for Nia Long’s Ellie, a woman he knew, but never dated, two decades earlier when they were in college. And David cares very little about the fact that Ellie has a husband, with whom she has a college-age daughter. ¶ David also doesn’t care that, after giving him strong suggestions that he leave her alone, Ellie outright insists he do so. ¶ “I get it,” he says. “I get it: You want to be discrete.” ¶ He doesn’t get it.
And you won’t have any trouble getting “Fatal Affair,” a competently made but by-the-numbers slice of stalker suspense with run-of-the-mlll performances.
If you’re looking for something interesting or even a surprising twist or two, stalk another movie.
After a deadly prologue sequence that later will fit into the story, “Fatal Affair” introduces us to Ellie, a successful attorney who is in the process of moving into a spectacular oceanfront home with architect husband Michael (Stephen Bishop).
Ellie is finishing up one last case for her firm before leaving for another. While working that case, she is reunited with David, a tech consultant hired by her firm. (Expect his handiness with hacking to become a real problem for Ellie and others.)
Excited by this seemingly chance meeting with Ellie, David asks her to a catch-up dinner, during which she mentions sometimes she feels like she wakes up next to a “stranger,” a confession that helps to spur on some dancing and more drinks.
David, who we will come to understand has serious boundary issues (and a history of mental-health issues), follows her into the ladies room of the club, where passion erupts. However, Ellie sooner than later slams on the brakes and abruptly arranges a ride home.
(In fact, Ellie and David never have an actual affair. Given what follows, it seems as though “Fatal Attraction” would have been a better title for the movie. Must have been taken or something.)
At first, David tries to remain close to Ellie through apologies, but soon his tactics become increasingly shady and manipulative.
Of course, Ellie is worried not only about her safety, but also that of Michael; their daughter, Brittany (Aubrey Cleland); and even her friend Courtney (Maya Stojan), whom David charms to the point where she becomes distrustful of Ellie.
While the Ts are crossed and the Is dotted throughout “Fatal Affair,” to make the story work, director and co-writer Peter Sullivan (“Secret Obsession”) and co-writer Rasheeda Garner (“Baking Christmas”) eventually have to make Ellie seem a little less intelligent than she has in the film up to that point.
It’s a little frustrating, and Long (“Big Momma’s House,” “The Banker”) deserves a bit better.
Likewise, it’s always nice to see Epps (“Love & Basketball,” “House”), but David is not a multifaceted character.
The third player in the “Affair,” Bishop (“Moneyball”) arguably gives the finest performance. (On the other hand, his Michael seems so wonderful that you wonder why Ellie was even letting herself be tempted by David.)
Hey, “Fatal Affair” is surely meant to be little more than a bit of B-movie fun, something providing 90 minutes of good-looking people and even prettier scenery. (Seriously, several shots of California are gorgeous, and, again, that house is something to be admired.)
“Fatal Affair” flirts with becoming too silly, but, given its serious tone, thankfully never gets there. So, by all means, have a tryst with it if the mood strikes.
It probably won’t kill you.