Watch Unforeseen

Unforeseen A White Box Films production. Produced by Edward Barkin and Jay Cannold. Directed, written by Edward Barkin. With: Steve Parlavecchio, Lisa Lawrence, David Heymann, Ari Gold, Arthur Nascarella, Kim Director, David Stepkin. The elemental film noir premise of a hero seduced, fleeced and fled by a femme fatale -- with revenge the obsession that results -- gets an unusually stark workout in Ed Barkin's indie "Unforeseen." Intriguing with its lean presentational style, it is an offbeat and accomplished feature. Chief executive for his wealthy family's hotel empire, Derek (Steve Parlavecchio) grows infatuated by beauteous Anastasia (Lisa Lawrence), whose commitment-skittishness -- she's supposedly in recovery from a failed eight-year relationship -- only makes her the more attractive. Cynical lawyer pal Ted (David Heymann) urges Derek to proceed with caution. But when latter presents his beloved with an elaborate prenuptial agreement, she's insulted to the point of breaking things off. Desperate, Derek makes Anastasia a lavish financial offer. Barkin captures attention with pic's austere, almost clinical mood, abetted by Diane Lederman's production design of privileged sterility and Leland Krane's precise lensing. Perfs are strong; Parlavecchio ("Amongst Friends") does well traversing a feature-length freefall.