Here we have the well-worn story of a dead husband and the wife who won't believe he's dead. While out on a vacation celebrating their anniversary Parker (Sirow) is supposedly killed in a whitewater canoeing accident. However, during a visit to San Francisco a few months later his wife, Gabrielle (Vaugier), swears she see's him in a busy market. But of course, he disappears before she can get to him. This and a few other strange events prompt her to start her own investigation into his death. The twists are well woven into the story though they're nothing new and you can figure them out quite quickly. That though is pretty much the only issue I had with the story.
Emmanuelle Vaugier gives another solid performance as a wife thrown into a broiling situation. She handles the many emotions the story calls for in her stride. Doubt over their marriage, fear over her missing husband, sadness at the wake, the awareness that something isn't right, understanding at the outcome. I know why this actress gets hired. Shame it's the rest of the cast which lets the acting down. Cameron Bancroft as Detective Asher is so blank and emotionless, somebody should take his pulse to make sure he's still alive. At times the same can be said about Kristen Harris' portrayal of Genna, though she does have a few scene's where she comes alive. The trouble is you just don't care for her. When she comes to Gabrielle with the story of being beaten up by her drunken husband, she just doesn't sell it enough. Had this character come across better then the film would have been stronger for it. I thought it might have been the writing or direction that was the cause of the characters problems, but then Adam Hurtig comes along as Travis. Travis is irascible, greaving, angry, and blames his sister in law for his brother's death. Most of the time this can be seen in his demeanour and on his face. Hurtig is an actor to watch.
As for the direction, Jeff Beasley does a good job and tries to add different camera shots to show mood. There's a scene after Parker's death where Gabrielle is laying on her bed thinking, mourning, and remembering him. Beasley tries to show her feelings at this time by a series of steady near still shots as she shifts about the bed. Five seconds of her laid on her back, head on pillows. Five seconds of her laid on her front, head towards the foot of the bed. Five seconds of her sat on the edge at the foot of the bed. Though this didn't work for me, I have to appreciate that he tried to add something different to keep the story and film interesting to the viewers. His whitewater shot at the beginning was very good, though not really tied to the film... unless it's Gabrielle's accident we learn about later.
I enjoyed this film and would recommend it to all armchair detectives, whodunnit pundits, and mystery and thriller fans everywhere for at least one viewing. It doesn't even have to be raining outside. Though I would say it's a lazy day film... so a good one to watch in bed on a Sunday morning or after a pleasant and filling Sunday dinner.
