L'Enfer de Madison : Obsession

As an avid Lifetime movie fan I had high expectations for the first installment in this Obsession Thrillogy. It followed the basic Lifetime template but the acting, directing, and score were better than average. Celeste Desjardins was terrific in the leading role as a stalking victim perpetrated by the hunky and charismatic Blake, played by Travis Nelson. This movie would be great as a stand alone movie but the fact that its Part 1 in a "thrillogy" (typical cheesy Lifetime marketing) has me ready for more.

This is the weakest of the trilogy. In one, Blake started out as a good guy caught in a bad situation who was forced to do bad things. I was hoping for a redemption ark but that would have killed off any chance for a trilogy. He ends up becoming a delusional, lovesick puppy who does bad things without giving it a second thought. The only good thing I can say about this movie is that it sets up and excellent finale by introducing more of his sister for, 'Her Final Revenge'. She is brilliant in the last movie of this trilogy.

Now suddenly left without a roommate, photography student Madison Turner (Celeste Desjardins) is scrambling to find a new one so she can keep up with the rent. Through a roommate finder app, Madison settles on Blake Collins (Travis Nelson), a handsome and charming older man who Madison finds herself getting along well with--despite the objections of her boyfriend Dylan (James Hicks) to her having a male roommate.

While Madison dismisses Dylan's concerns as jealousy, it turns out he's more right than he realizes. As it turns out, Blake is a serial con artist on the run after a botched robbery left his partner dead--and he's now set his sights on Madison and her wealthy estranged sister Evie (Kelly Hope Taylor) for his next scheme. Along the way, though, Blake has also become enamored with Madison...and is now prepared to do whatever it takes to keep her.

The formulaic "young girl falls for a man who doesn't appear app what it seems" is a routine affair with some flat moments, however it has its moments of a compelling nature, especially in the past hour. Displaying a good mix of menace and charisma as the villain is Travis Nelson, and Celeste Desjardins brings a likable energy as Madison, the girl who stupidly falls for the charm of her criminal roommate.

This Lifetime movie baits you and you get reeled in almost from the get-go. Madison takes in a roomie named Blake who is up to no good and unfortunately, falls in love with a killer. Later, she discovers it and he gets sent to prison. Celeste Desjardins and Travis Nelson, 2 young Canadian actors, are very strong leads against an excellent script and very strong plot, so far. Can't wait to see what happens next!!!

This first installment of the "Obsession" trilogy was actually fun to watch. Some dumb decisions on the part of the main characters, but the story did hold up.

Don't expect the usual LMN movie - this is a notch above. Have a drink handy.