It’s like an update on Fatal Attraction with our hero being an upstanding family man who avoids temptation, but feels the sting of a crazy temp.
It’s also been neutered to get a PG-13 rating. I just hate it when that happens, it might’ve kept me interested with naughty bits.
Derek Charles (Idris Elba) is an executive and is happily married to his former assistant Sharon (Beyonce Knowles). The two have just moved into a new house and things appear to be going well for the couple.
One day he’s riding up in the elevator and strikes up a conversation with a lady named Lisa (Ali Larter). She turns out to be going to his floor to work as a temp. He jokingly warns her that “Derek Charles” is an asshole.
He wants to confess that she’s after him (especially after she jumps in his car with nothing but some skimpy underwear on under he coat), but misses the chance after his wife tells him that her sister’s husband has been caught cheating. Derek makes the decision to hold off on his confession.
Lisa starts to become more aggressive and sets up a suicide attempt in his hotel room during a business trip. This involves Detective Reese (Christine Lahti) and she begins to think that Derek does have a relationship with Lisa. Sharon also finds out about her and kicks Derek out of the house.
When things are turning around and people start believing that Derek didn’t sleep with Lisa she goes over the edge and is determined to replace Sharon in his life - even if that means killing her.
Not to mention that you’ve probably seen the trailer, this certainly sets up what’s going to happen.
The film does have a novel twist in that Derek is happily married and not wanting to cheat on his wife, this also helps keep things on a PG-13 course by taking out the potential “cheat scene.” Every plot device is clearly telegraphed before it happens (even the opening credits sets up something that will be used in the big finale) and we see it all coming.
It’s like knowing who the killer is before the mystery starts. That’s one boring read or film if you have that info in front of you. The film is directed by someone whose last name is Shill, that is a fitting irony. Obsessed is presented in a 1080p high definition transfer (2.39:1).
Special features are presented in high definition and include the 15 minute “making of” “Play Nicely Together,” the 11 minute “Girl Fight” about the big finale, and the 9 minute “Dressed to Kill” about the costumes. You also get trailers for other Sony pictures and the disc is BD-Live enhanced.
Obsessed is a film that you’ll not obsess over. It fails at every turn it tries to take and certainly you’ll be better off watching one of the other thrillers that this film takes its cues from. Even if you’re able to rent this one because of the rating, it won’t leave you very satisfied.
Obsessed [Blu-ray] is now available at Amazon . Visit the DVD database for more information.
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