Watch False Pretenses

The movie False Pretenses from 2004 is a suspenseful crime drama starring Peta Wilson, Stewart Bick, and Melanie Nicholls-King. The story revolves around a woman named Lauren, played by Peta Wilson, who has a tragic past and has had to live under different identities for years. Lauren, formerly known as Karen, left her hometown and family behind after getting into an accident with a drunk driver that killed her younger sister. She then assumed different identities and tried to start a new life every few years, never staying in one place for too long. However, after moving to a small town in the Pacific Northwest and starting a new job, Lauren's past comes back to haunt her when her boss, Mark (Stewart Bick), recognizes her from a newspaper article about the accident that killed her sister.

Mark is a successful entrepreneur who has recently divorced his wife and is trying to start a new life for himself as well. He is intrigued by Lauren and her mysterious past, and they start a romantic relationship. However, when Mark starts to investigate Lauren's past, he discovers that she has assumed numerous identities over the years and becomes suspicious of her true motives.

Meanwhile, Lauren is also dealing with the reappearance of her abusive ex-boyfriend, who has tracked her down to her new town. She tries to keep this a secret from Mark, who becomes increasingly suspicious of her as he probes deeper into her past. As the tension escalates between the two of them, and Lauren's ex-boyfriend becomes more dangerous, the audience is left wondering if Lauren's new life will be destroyed by her past catching up with her.

False Pretenses is a well-executed crime thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the film. The actors performances are convincing, particularly Peta Wilson's portrayal of Lauren, who conveys the inner struggles and secrets of her character with intensity and nuance. The pace of the film is also well-directed, with plenty of twists and turns in the plot that keep the suspense building up to the climax.

One of the strengths of False Pretenses is how the film successfully weaves together a complicated backstory with current events. The movie's exploration of the psychological damage that accompanies trauma, particularly in relation to guilt and the desire for redemption, is poignant and touching. It also highlights how those who have suffered from traumatic events may feel that they are forced to live in secrecy because of societal constraints against them, particularly in relation to blame.

Overall, viewers who enjoy crime dramas and suspenseful thrillers will find False Pretenses a satisfying and enjoyable movie. The film's nuanced portrayal of characters competing to redefine themselves while dealing with their past will resonate with audiences who value emotional complexity and character development. The careful pacing of the movie and well-timed twists will keep viewers engaged from start to finish.

False Pretenses is a 2004 tv movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.