Angel of Mine is one of the best acted, directed and produced movies this year. It’s a film that will keep you compelled from the very beginning to the very last scene. The drama takes you into the world of a woman’s heartache as she tries to come to grips with her life after a death in her family. The psychological drama magnifies her hurt as she tries to find answers to an intuitive dilemma beyond her control and tantalizes the viewer to take sides.
When Mike (Luke Evans) drops his son off to his ex-wife Lizzie (Noomi Rapace), he tells her that he wants full custody of their son Thomas (Finn Little). He feels she’s never regained control of herself psychologically since the death of their daughter. Objecting, she asks for another chance to work harder to care for Thomas and Mike backs off.
Lizzie goes on with her daily routine and work until one day at a party attended by her son she notices a young girl Lola (Annika Whiteley). It leads to a meeting with Claire (Yvonne Strahovski), Lola’s mother, and Lizzie starts to work her way into their lives. She even gets a playdate for Thomas and her son Jeremy (Indi Serafin) to get closer to Lola.
Director Kim Farrant does an excellent job of introducing the main characters and working in each of those involved before leading into the meat of the story. She makes Angel of Mine very captivating by showing Lizzie’s plight to try and move on from her awful loss. In the chance of dropping a spoiler, I will leave it at that.
The performances by Noomi Rapace and Yvonne Strahovski are equally stunning. The two tee off against each other as the film progresses and Lizzie and Claire become adversaries instead of confidants. Rapace delivers an almost persistent Lizzie showing that she cannot come to grips with her life since the tragedy. So she finds herself out of control hurting the people within her marriage, even bordering on neglect for the son she does have. Her performance looks very real making her character scary at times.
Making it all work Yvonne Strahovski gives a convincing performance as the mother of a child that’s being stalked. Claire’s was open to friending Lizzie as her son Thomas is a perfect fit for her son Jeremy. But, as Lizzie starts getting too close to Lola, her protective temperament comes into play.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
“Making Angel of Mine” warning plot spoilers, do not watch this feature until you have seen the film.
“Cast/Crew Interviews” Include Director Kim Farrant and Actors Noomi Repace, Yvonne Strahovski, Luke Evans, Richard Roxburgh, and Annika Whiteley. Again, do not watch this feature until you have seen the film.
Angel of Mine has been rated R by the MPAA for language, some sexuality and brief nudity. The sex is simulated, but very realistic and heated including a scene of self-stimulation. The movie is available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good drama that will keep you on your toes. (4 out of 5 Stars)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Noomi Rapace, Yvonne Strahovski, Luke Evans
Director: Kim Farrant
MPAA Rating: R for language, some sexuality and brief nudity. Sex is simulated but very realistic and heated including a scene of self-stimulation.
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Running Time: 1 hr. 38 min.
Video Release Date: October 22, 2019
Original Theatrical Release Date: August 30, 2019
Language: English
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Video: 1080p Widescreen 16×9, Aspect Ratio 2.35:1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
Number of Discs: 1 disc
Distributed by: Lionsgate
Released on: Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
