Death in Small Doses (1995)

Death in Small Doses Poster

One night Nancy Lyon awakes in pain and dies shortly after - poisoned with arsenic. Her family immediately suspects her husband Richard, who left her temporarily the year before because of an affair. Especially Nancy's brother is keen on getting the children away from the suspected murderer. All evidence points against Richard, but in court Richard surprisingly presents proof that his wife had depressions and maybe killed herself - or are these proofs just fake? -- Depicts an authentic case.

Film Overview
"Death in Small Doses" is an American tv movie directed by Sondra Locke and launched in 1995. The film is a cooling thriller based upon a true story. It includes Richard Thomas, who plays the role of Tom Shafer, with Tess Harper playing Nancy Lyon, his wife.

Plot Summary
The story revolves around the rural couple, Nancy Lyon and Tom Shafer. Nancy is a designer while her other half, Tom, is a computer system expert. Life seems perfect for them, till Nancy inexplicably falls sick and dies of a poisoning. This event plunges the peaceful, upper-class setting of their life into turmoil.

At first, it is unclear how Nancy was poisoned. It slowly emerges that non-prescription drugs and household chemicals might have been the source. The movie deviates when an autopsy reveals arsenic as the reason for Nancy's death, ruling it as murder.

Climax
The focus moves to Tom Shafer, Nancy's partner, when authorities start analyzing who had the intention and opportunity to eliminate her. As the examination unwinds, Tom emerges as the prime suspect-- implicated by many, including his sisters-in-law, of gradually poisoning his spouse with arsenic.

Although Tom keeps his innocence, an extensive investigation reveals his affair with a girl throughout his organization trips, therefore providing him a motive for murder. The proof against him grows when it's found that Tom had actually bought a lab compound consisting of arsenic shortly before Nancy's death. The secret takes a turn when the narrative presents the idea that Nancy might have actually devoted suicide to frame Tom, spurred by suspicion of his affair.

Conclusion
In court, Tom's attorneys argue that Nancy was depressed and could have administered the toxin herself. However, the jury finds him guilty of murdering his other half. Despite maintaining his innocence, Tom Shafer gets convicted on the basis of circumstantial evidence and sentenced to life imprisonment.

The movie ends on an unclear note, leaving audiences with the concern of whether Tom was really the killer or if he was an innocent male caught by circumstances.

Evaluation
"Death in Small Doses" is a gripping mental drama filled with suspense and intense performances. Richard Thomas and Tess Harper deliver a convincing portrayal of a doomed couple. The motion picture's strength depends on its interesting narrative based upon real-life occasions, and its efficient portrayal of a seemingly regular suburban life turned upside down by an unexpected death. The movie's plot invites the audience on an upsetting journey through the investigation and ultimate conviction of Tom, providing sufficient weaves to keep viewers thinking about the real event of events.

Top Cast

  • Richard Thomas (small)
    Richard Thomas
    Richard Lyon
  • Tess Harper (small)
    Tess Harper
    Jerri Sims
  • Glynnis O'Connor (small)
    Glynnis O'Connor
    Nancy Lyon
  • Shawn Elliott (small)
    Shawn Elliott
    Detective Ortega
  • Gary Frank (small)
    Gary Frank
    Bill Dillard Jr.
  • Matthew Posey (small)
    Matthew Posey
    Guthrie
  • Evan Rachel Wood (small)
    Evan Rachel Wood
    Anna
  • Collin Wilcox Paxton (small)
    Collin Wilcox Paxton
  • Ann Hearn (small)
    Ann Hearn
  • Mitchell Laurance (small)
    Mitchell Laurance
  • Richard K. Olsen (small)
    Richard K. Olsen