TV movies, and Lifetime thrillers especially, are a veritable grab bag. I've watched some titles that were gratifyingly sincere and well done, others that were preposterous and contrived beyond belief, and a large range of quality in between. The names of writer-director John Lyde, and co-writer Brittany Wiscombe, are very well known to me, as they have both collected many credits on features of this nature; while their works may similarly vary, I've not yet seen something one or both was involved with that was lower than "average." 'Shattered memories,' also known as 'Her deadly reflections,' falls neatly within the same company. It's no essential tour de force, but this is pretty well made for the genre, and suitably entertaining.
The basic craft of the feature is solid, with fine consideration for editing, cinematography, lighting, and sound design. Wardrobe, hair and makeup, blood, and art direction are all fine; viewers who have seen more than one Lifetime original movie may well recognize some filming locations. The stunts look great. Of course these aren't the most critical aspects when it comes to thrillers, but no movie is quite complete without them.
More important are the performances, an area where TV movies of any sort tend to fall short. I'm pleased to note that everyone in front of the camera turns in a show that's sincere, and fitting to the tenor of the feature. Just as 'Shattered memories' is no masterpiece, I won't claim that any acting herein is an award-winning must-see. But - while I'm not familiar with everyone in the cast, I recognize at least a couple names, and I know they're very capable. I can only assume the relative bluntness of the portrayals - a dulling or restraint of the range and nuance that the actors possess - is owed to Lyde's direction, perhaps an intentional restriction in keeping with the flavor of the Lifetime network. And even with that, I do like the performances here. In particular I think Helena Mattsson is actually quite good as protagonist Kelly, doing a fine job of embodying the artist's deep uncertainty and fear in the midst of her amnesia. Melanie Stone I know best of all those here; she is ever reliable, and steady in this supporting role - and like Corey Sevier and Jake Stormoen, shows able dynamics in her skills. All good here!
Lyde illustrates his experience in the director's chair, realizing the screenplay with an able guiding hand and attentive eye in orchestrating each shot and scene. And that brings us to the writing. I'm inclined to think that of anything I've seen from Lyde and/or Wiscombe, 'Shattered memories' may actually be their best work. It's maybe a tad predictable, and the big reveal is maybe a bit over the top. Yet characters are complex, with depth and varied motivations. The scene writing is consistently, duly engaging, keeping a low level of tension and suspense simmering throughout, and altogether impressing at the climax. And despite its imperfections, the narrative is quite sound - frankly coming across as only a step or two down from flicks with bigger stars, budgets, or studios. Even if we can see where it's headed, the story holds its cards close, slowly and dexterously teasing out details until the opportune moment for the grand finale. Whatever its flaws, there's a finesse to the screenplay that's broadly lacking to TV movies generally, and those of Lifetime specifically. No one is more surprised than I am at how good this actually is.
I couldn't begrudge anyone who watches 'Shattered memories' and finds it's not to their liking. Though well improved upon its brethren, it still retains a dash of those same qualities that make features of this nature so very distinct. More than that, though, the movie bears strengths more closely resembling major motion pictures. With strong writing, direction, acting, and technical craft, this is a TV movie thriller that stands rather tall among its ilk, and I'm delighted to say this is pretty well worth checking out.
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