Watch Motives

Motives is a 2004 film directed by Craig Ross Jr. and starring Vivica A. Fox, Shemar Moore, Golden Brooks, and Sean Blakemore. It is a psychological thriller that explores the complex relationships between a group of successful African American professionals living in Los Angeles. The story revolves around Emery Simms (Moore), a wealthy and successful businessman who is seemingly living the dream life. However, his perfect facade is shattered when he is found murdered in his home. Detective Derrick Hamilton (Blakemore) is assigned to the case and quickly discovers that many of Simms' close friends and family had motives for his murder. His wife, Constance (Fox), is the primary suspect, but as the investigation deepens, more secrets and lies are uncovered, and the plot thickens.

One of the main suspects is Simms' best friend, Brandon (played by Brian White), who had a falling out with him months before the murder. As the investigation progresses, Hamilton discovers that Simms had been having an affair with Brandon's girlfriend, played by Golden Brooks. The affair had caused tension between the two friends, and this had led to Simms' murder.

With more twists and turns, the audience is taken on a journey of suspense and surprises. The story is layered with complex relationships, deceit, and jealousy, and the characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional. Constance, for instance, is portrayed as a successful career woman who is frustrated with her husband's infidelity. As the investigation goes on, it is revealed that she had a motive for killing him but also had an affair with his business partner.

The film is shot in a dark and moody style, which adds to the tension and suspense of the narrative. The direction by Craig Ross Jr. is precise and keeps the audience engaged, while the script by Carl Weber is smart and full of intrigue. The performances by the cast are excellent, with Shemar Moore and Vivica A. Fox displaying their range and depth as actors.

One of the standout features of this film is its exploration of African American upper-class society. Motives delves into the struggles and complexities of black professionals and portrays them as flawed, nuanced characters instead of shallow stereotypes. The film received critical acclaim for its portrayal of African American life and its ability to transcend genre tropes.

In conclusion, Motives is an expertly crafted psychological thriller that keeps you engaged until its shocking conclusion. The film is expertly directed, well-written, and features excellent performances by its cast. Its exploration of black upper-class society and its depiction of complex relationships sets it apart from other thrillers of its kind. If you're a fan of the genre, you don't want to miss this one!

Motives is a 2004 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.