A Woman’s Rage-The Love of her Life (2008)

Directed by: Rob Malenfant | 91 minutes | thriller, crime | Actors: Cameron Bancroft, Cynthia Preston, Brandy Ledford, Alex House, Nick Baillie, Claire Brosseau, Caitie Campo, Tonya Dodds, Paula Jean Hixson, Jason Provencal

Jealousy combined with heartbreak is a dangerous thing. Especially when it turns out to be a crime of passion. ‘A Woman’s Rage’ shows how that works.

Full of resentment, Allison (Cynthia Preston) is jealous of the beautiful Kathryn. When she sees her ex-lover Brian (Cameron Bancroft) dining with Kathryn (Brandy Ledford), something inside her snaps. Allison’s train of thought is conveyed to the viewer through a monologue that actress Preston gives to the images described above. After spying on Brian and Kathryn, Allison visits her ex that same evening. Brian is taken by surprise as she just walks into his house thanks to a copy of the house key. Allison begs him to rekindle their relationship. Brian doesn’t mind. She drops off and leaves. After this incident, Allison is visibly calmer, but it turns out to be only outward appearances. Through a monologue that follows the footage, you learn that Allison is forging a plan. Her imaginings don’t sound bright at all…

Many may know Cameron Bancroft from his role on the hit television series “Beverly Hills, 90210” as Joe Bradley. Or from his role during the first season of “24” as Lee Castle. In ‘A Woman’s Rage’ Brancroft comes across as stiff and the chemistry between him and Preston is lacking. You don’t understand what his character Brian once saw in Allison. More believable is the chemistry between him and his new love Kathryn. Actresses Preston and Ledford, compared to Bancroft, are more at home in their roles. Preston manages to give Allison some soul through the monologues. In doing so, she slightly exaggerates the unstable mental state of the character by making compulsive movements with her hands. Ledford sincerely conveys the sad Kathryn’s emotions. The young son Scott is naturally shaped by Alex House. Although it is very obvious that Scott is impressed by Allison’s beauty.

‘A Woman’s Rage’ starts off at a decent pace, but breaks down halfway through. You’re more than waiting for Allison to unfold the final chapter of the master plan. A more extensive history of Allison’s romance with Brian might have given the story more depth. Plus a clarification of that emotional event in Allison’s childhood that lets the viewer know why she suffers from separation anxiety. Now the character is more of a caricature. In conclusion, ‘A Woman’s Rage’ is not a sour apple to bite through. You can taste the bitter taste throughout the film…

Ans Vineyards