Intimate Stranger

This is one of those above average TV movies that you'll be glad to have caught on, well, television. I saw it on LMN, and it is definitely worth the while. There's not really a dull moment - and what a creep! The warning signs of an obsessive/abuser is well done--women and girls will be well advised to take heed.

If a guy moves too fast in the relationship, if he doesn't respect boundaries, if he can't take criticisms, if he starts making decisions for you, if you get a gut feeling...listen to your friends, but don't be beholden to them - unless they're warning you against an abuser. It's better to have love and lost then to hold on to an unhealthy relationship.

Intimate Stranger TV Movie (2006)

*WARNING: Contains a sexual assault (see below)

BASIC PLOT: Like many women, Karen Reese (Kari Matchett) has a blind spot when it comes to avoiding controlling men. She's had several of these types of relationships, including with her son's father, John. But Denis Teague (Peter Outerbridge) seems to be different. He's kind, considerate, and good to Karen's son Justin (Matthew Knight). If Denis really is Prince Charming, then why does Karen feel like something is not right? A bloody red rose was mixed in with a dozen yellow roses from Denis. Someone keeps calling her house, and hanging up. And to make matter's worse, Karen & Justin are hearing strange noises coming from the attic. Is this relationship everything Karen had hoped for, or is danger just around the corner?

WHAT WORKS: *The cops believe Denis, which is all too realistic. Men know how to manipulate other men into disbelieving women. Men always want to give other men the benefit of the doubt, with the old "women are hysterical" bit.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK: *Unfortunately, I think Kari Matchett is too strong a person (in real life), to portray the type of woman who continues to fall for controlling men. She's more the type of person to step on their chest with a stiletto, while snapping a whip. I love Kari Matchett, I think she's a fantastic actress. But we all know the type of woman she's supposed to be portraying here, and she's not it.

*Who is Randy Stroud? I guess we're supposed to gather he's another crappy ex, but they never explain anything about Randy. One conversation between Karen and her sister would have cleared this up, and the ambiguity would be removed.

*Chloroform is illegal in the USA. Where is Denis getting it?

*If Karen was really this scared, and if she believed she had a phrogger, she would have had her gun at the ready, waaay before she does.

*I know the police would not threatened to shoot a kidnap/rape survivor, even if she had a gun on her attacker. That's just bad writing.

TO RECOMMEND, OR NOT TO RECOMMEND, THAT IS THE QUESTION: *This is an above average TV movie, but it's still a TV movie. If you go into it with that in mind, it could be an enjoyable watch. I would recommend to anyone who appreciates TV movies, or is a fan of Kari Matchett.

CLOSING NOTES: *I abhor trigger warnings, I think woke is a virus. BUT, I think warnings for animal violence and sexual assault are needed. We readily accept these things too easily, without a thought for how the 433,648 people who are sexually assaulted every year might react. I'm not talking censorship; in this movie, the rape is not wanton violence, for violence sake. It is an unfortunate reality of being with a controlling man. But warning a victim who has experienced this type of violence, before they watch, is not unreasonable. Help is available: National Sexual Assault Hotline, Available 24 hours Learn more 1- 800- 656- 4673

*This is a Made-For-TV movie, please keep that in mind before you watch\rate it. TV movies have a much lower budget, and so your expectations should be adjusted.

*I have no connection to the film, or production in ANY way. I am just an honest viewer, who wishes for more straight forward reviews. Hope I helped you out.

Karen has been on her own for six years. She has some sort of professional office job in Kansas City, and she has a son Justin who is in the fourth grade. She doesn't have the best track record with men. Justin's father Joe was too controlling and does not live up to his responsibilities to the boy. She is now getting flowers with a note saying they are from Randy. Her boss Alex seems to like her but he's kind of young.

Now Karen has found Denis, who is kind and caring, knows how to cook, and enjoys spending time with Justin, who took a while but eventually accepted Denis. They hunt butterflies together.

So what's wrong with Denis?

Maybe nothing. But Karen is lucky to have him, because those mysterious flowers from Randy are just the first of many strange developments. Her air conditioning keeps cutting off during a hot summer. There are strange noises in the attic which may just be squirrels. And then there are problems at work, including a mysterious illness. Is Karen losing her mind or is someone really trying to drive her crazy?

The biggest reason for a straight male to watch: Karen is quite good-looking and has long blonde hair. During the hot summer I mentioned, she wears revealing tops, except of course at work. Though she won't show off her legs, not even when jogging or sleeping. There is one scene where she is in a bathrobe and her legs do show, but if you blink you'll miss it.

For someone with my musical taste, there are the first two romantic scenes. Another romantic scene in the woods has generic background music (which is still enjoyable), and dinner with Denis and Justin has opera. No, thanks. I liked the jazz. I do mean jazz, not the "smooth jazz" women seem to like.

I don't know who any of the people in this movie are, but Kari Matchett seems to be a good enough actress. Karen is a strong character who has been through a lot and can stand up for herself when she has to. Peter Outerbridge does a good job too.

There is an interesting mystery to solve. Nothing that special, but entertaining enough. And minimal violence. I don't think there was any blood. Of course, sex is a requirement in these movies, but it is only implied.

If I have any criticisms, it is that Robert Benz as the detective seemed quite good in one scene and sounded like he was reading his lines at the end. I really wanted to say something good about him.

It's a woman-in-jep movie. If you like them, and I do, it's enjoyable.