Portraits of Dangerous Women – REVIEW

As a seasoned cinephile who’s spent countless hours immersed in the celluloid world, I must confess that “Portraits of Dangerous Women” is a film that resonates with a subtle charm. The narrative, though slow-paced, is engaging, and the characters are complex and intriguing – much like the women we often encounter in real life.

The focus isn’t on the high-profile events attended by Meghan Markle, where she unexpectedly crashes to catch the eye of photographers in an awkward dress, but rather “Portraits of Dangerous Women” – a subtle, humorous drama. The main characters are Ashley (played by Yazmin Monet Prince), Steph (Jeany Spark) and Tina (Tara Fitzgerald), who don’t know each other until their lives intertwine following a car accident where it seems Steph has hit a dog. As Ashley seeks justice for the seemingly hit-and-run incident, and Tina holds back information, their tentative relationship deepens into something more complex as the story progresses.

Steph, who’s a teacher and grappling with a crumbling marriage, finds solace in her art dealer father Jon (Mark Lewis Jones), despite feeling stifled at school. Unbeknownst to her, Tina, the school’s maintenance worker, carries her own surprising secrets. Ashley, a young woman fascinated by old photographs as an artistic medium, befriends Jon, adding another layer to their connections. All three reside in a tranquil English village where people usually know each other, but in this case, they remain strangers. As the story unfolds, these casual acquaintances transform into something deeper.

The power in the portraits of these formidable women rests largely on their exceptional cast members. Tara Fitzgerald, a renowned actress, brings her serene energy to the table, creating a compelling contrast with Jeany Spark’s lively and slightly flighty Steph character. Yazmin Monet Prince completes the trio, further establishing herself as one of the UK’s top young talents. Notably, Mark Lewis Jones, an actor recognized for his versatile roles, adds depth to the ensemble, a name that should be as familiar in households as it is in the acting industry.

The movie, helmed by Pascal Bergamin as both director and co-writer, has its share of strong points, boasting some effective scenes, such as the one where Tina shares her backstory about becoming a school caretaker, which, although not overly engaging in dialogue, is notable. However, with a running time of approximately 90 minutes, this film might be more suited for television drama format.

Here’s the Portrait of Dangerous Women trailer…….

2024-10-11 02:24

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