The Perfect Guy (2015) Movie Review: A Predictable Thriller with Star Power
Overview
Directed by David M. Rosenthal, “The Perfect Guy” (2015) is a romantic thriller starring Sanaa Lathan, Michael Ealy, and Morris Chestnut. The film follows Leah Vaughn (Lathan), a successful lobbyist who, after a painful breakup with her boyfriend Dave (Chestnut), falls for the charming Carter Duncan (Ealy). However, as their relationship deepens, Carter’s true, violent nature is revealed.
Plot Summary
Leah Vaughn’s life seems perfect with a fulfilling career and a loving boyfriend, Dave. However, their relationship ends when Dave’s reluctance to commit becomes clear. Leah soon meets Carter, who seems perfect but quickly reveals a darker side after a violent outburst. The film turns into a suspenseful game of cat and mouse as Leah tries to escape Carter’s obsessive and dangerous behavior.
Performance and Direction
Sanaa Lathan delivers a strong performance, bringing depth and believability to Leah’s character. Michael Ealy is compelling as the charming yet sinister Carter, while Morris Chestnut provides solid support as Dave. Despite their efforts, the film suffers from a predictable plot and lack of genuine suspense. Rosenthal’s direction ensures a polished look, but the script by Tyger Williams falls into clichéd territory, reducing the tension and thrill.
Visuals and Cinematography
The film features sleek cinematography and stylish visuals, contributing to its glossy, high-budget feel. The visual presentation aligns with the narrative’s urban, upscale setting, enhancing the overall production quality.
Themes and Relevance
“The Perfect Guy” touches on themes of trust, deception, and the dark side of romantic relationships. While it aims to explore the dangers of an idealized romance turning into a nightmare, the execution feels formulaic, lacking the emotional and psychological depth needed to make a lasting impact.
Reception
Critics have given mixed reviews to the film, often noting its reliance on genre clichés and lack of originality. It holds a low score on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, with some praising the performances of Lathan and Ealy while others criticize the lack of narrative innovation and genuine suspense. RogerEbert.com notes that while the stars do their best, the material itself is tepid and fails to deliver a gripping thriller experience.
Streaming and Availability
For viewers in the United States, “The Perfect Guy” is available for streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. It can also be rented or purchased on digital platforms such as Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube Movies.
Conclusion
“The Perfect Guy” offers a familiar but ultimately predictable thriller experience. Despite strong performances from Sanaa Lathan and Michael Ealy, the film falls short of delivering a truly engaging and suspenseful narrative. Fans of the genre might find it a decent watch, but those looking for a more innovative and thrilling story may be left disappointed.
