Kept Woman

I support all things Canadian so I gave this movie a go. Of course we all know that Canada doesn't have the huge Hollywood budgets. So if you go in knowing that, then you'll enjoy this movie.

A bit far fetched at times, even a bit surreal. But overall a nice flowing story. Acting was solid, again considering the cast isn't Hollywood A listers.

I recommend this movie to any true movie fan.

After a frightening apartment robbery, attractive graphic designer Courtney Ford (as Jessica "Jess" Crowder) and her handsome fiancé Andrew W. Walker (as Evan Crowder) move into a picturesque suburban house. They are immediately welcomed by quirky-looking neighbor Shaun Benson (as Simon), a professor in "Men's Studies." He comes from a 1950s "traditional background," having a father who worked and a mother who cooked. Also an amateur crime investigator, Ms. Ford does not cook. She doesn't watch "Lifetime" TV Movies, either, or she would have known better than to get too chummy with quirky neighbors...

"Kept Woman" follows the formula for making these television movies fun. A great looking cast in an abduction fantasy, with some subtle humor; it's marvelously played. Michel Poulette's direction and the cool set design are quite nice, so stay tuned. The opening scenes are not strong, but they move the story along quickly. It would have been nice to build up more suspense between Ford and Mr. Benson, who is positively delicious as the male chauvinist professor. The "family" formed by Benson could have been further developed, also. Still, it's better to leave viewers expecting to see more, than wanting to see less.

****** Kept Woman (2/28/15) Michel Poulette ~ Courtney Ford, Shaun Benson, Andrew W. Walker, Rachel Wilson

A couple have their flat broken into. They go inside BEFORE phoning the police, and promptly get more stuff stolen by the homeless guy still there, who holds them at gunpoint. Deciding to move house, they end up living next door to a weirdo who dresses like a throwback to the 50's. He abducts the female to keep as his own personal slave in an underground shelter, making her a 'kept woman'. Will she ever escape? Can she ever rid herself of the awful dresses she's forced to wear? And who'd thought the police force could be so stupid?

Yes, I KNOW this is supposed to be a Made For TV Movie, but c'mon... the creep in the dapper suits and bow tie has been linked to the disappearances of students and has even been questioned by the police... So why isn't he linked to the investigation? Who knows. And the fact the husband believes his wife left him permanently after the most minor of arguments, leaving behind her phone and various other possessions... Hear that creaking noise? That's credibility being stretched to breaking point.

Still, it's not all bad. The movie paints a picture of a claustrophobic environment well, where Stockholm Syndrome can easily set in and your old life could soon fade to a distant memory. The acting is of a higher calibre than usual for this kind of production, and the intense moments scattered throughout will probably have you watching until the end. Until the climax, that is... When all the subtlety and understatement goes out the window in favour of a brainless violent confrontation, not to mention the cheesiest of 'uplifting' messages tacked on as an addendum. Yawn.

Still, seen much worse. Oh, yes I have... 5/10

There are some annoying plot holes, but the good acting made up for it. The ostensibly polite and helpful neighbour was a convincingly creepy villain. Less your out and out bloodthirsty sadist and more of a delusional but clever incel determined to bend women to his will. There was tension as we saw the heroine under Stepford wife indoctrination and I really wanted Simon to get his comeuppance.

I was pretty surprised at this one, it was much better than I was expecting for a TV movie. Story was good with a couple clever tricks up it's sleeve. It kept my attention and was entertaining with a solid cast. Everyone did a great job especially the leading lady. I wish as a whole it was a tad darker and creepier but, again, it was a made for TV movie. Give this one a shot, I would recommend.