Widow's Kiss (1996)

Widow's Kiss Poster

Haunted by his mother's recent death, a young man becomes suspicious of his wealthy father's sexy, new bride. When his father dies mysteriously, the boy decides to investigate.

Introduction and Plot Overview
"Widow's Kiss" is a 1996 television thriller movie directed by Peter Foldy. The film features aspects of drama, mystery, and criminal offense as it explores the story of a seductive and manipulative widow who ends up being embroiled in an unsafe web of lies and murder. It stars Beverly D'Angelo as the main character, Vicki, a female who seems grieving the loss of her husband however quickly exposes her more ominous side.

The story unfolds as Vicki moves on from the death of her wealthy husband and begins to appeal her method into the life of her next target, wealthy widower Ed Bledsoe, played by Mackenzie Astin. As their relationship magnifies, Ed's teenage child Danny, played by Dennis Haysbert, grows suspicious of Vicki's motives and starts to think that she is after more than simply friendship.

Characters and Cast
Beverly D'Angelo provides a compelling performance as Vicki, a character who cloaks her malice with charm and sophistication. Her determined actions and composure in tricking those around her produce a chilling portrayal of a lady who will stop at absolutely nothing to get what she wants. Mackenzie Astin's representation of Ed depicts a susceptible and grieving widower, supplying a contrast to Vicki's more manipulative nature. Dennis Haysbert's role as Danny includes a layer of intrigue to the story as he looks for to uncover the reality behind Vicki's arrival.

The supporting cast assists to develop the tense environment as they end up being pawns in Vicki's game, with each character's interaction with Vicki potentially resulting in deadly repercussions.

Thriller and Themes
"Widow's Kiss" flourishes on its suspenseful storytelling and psychological delights. Vicki's capability to control individuals and circumstances to her benefit is at the core of the film, highlighting themes of deceit, trust, and the lengths some will go to maintain power and control. The stress constructs as the audience is handled a ride through numerous plot twists that keep them guessing about Vicki's true objectives and the result of her ominous plot.

The movie also explores the consequences of blind love and the danger of letting someone new and relatively charming into one's life without completely understanding their background or motivations.

Technical Aspects and Cine'sSmatography
As a tv movie, "Widow's Kiss" works within the constraints of TV movie production, focusing on narrative and performance over visual flair. Nevertheless, it still manages to develop a moody and properly suspenseful environment through its use of lighting, score, and directing strategies that underscore the dark styles present in the story.

The cinematography typically utilizes close-ups and tight framing to heighten the sense of claustrophobia and suspicion that surrounds Vicki as she weaves her web of deceit. The score supports the tension, with subtle cues that accent the growing risk as Vicki's true nature comes to light.

Reception and Legacy
While "Widow's Kiss" may not have actually made a significant influence on cinematic history, it has actually discovered a place within the category of television thrillers as a solid, if somewhat formulaic, example of 90s tv films. It stands as a showcase for Beverly D'Angelo's efficiency and works as an amusing expect fans of secret and police procedural.

The movie's representation of a duplicitous widow has actually become a trope in thriller cinema, and "Widow's Kiss" represents this archetype with adequate tension and plot twists to keep the audience engaged. Eventually, it is a story about deception and the lengths individuals will go to satisfy their ambitions, functioning as a cautionary tale of the threats included when succumbing to a stranger's appeals.

Top Cast

  • Beverly D'Angelo (small)
    Beverly D'Angelo
    Vivian Fairchild
  • Bruce Davison (small)
    Bruce Davison
    Justin Sager
  • Mackenzie Astin (small)
    Mackenzie Astin
    Sean Sager
  • Dennis Haysbert (small)
    Dennis Haysbert
    Eddie Costello
  • Barbara Rush (small)
    Barbara Rush
    Edith Fitzpatrick
  • Anna Maria Horsford (small)
    Anna Maria Horsford
    Lavanda Harrison
  • Lance Baker
    Drummer
  • Claudette Nevins (small)
    Claudette Nevins
    Margaret Silverstein
  • James Harper (small)
    James Harper
    Doctor Isaacs
  • Paul Scherrer (small)
    Paul Scherrer
    Chuck Nyles
  • Leonard Salazar
    Carlos Fuentes