Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sexy noir thriller has gun violence, drinking, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Fatale
What's the Story?
In FATALE, successful, married businessman Derrick (Michael Ealy) has a one-night stand in Las Vegas. Later, when an intruder breaks into his Los Angeles home, the detective assigned to the case is Valerie Quinlan (Hilary Swank), the same woman. As Valerie investigates his case, she pulls Derrick further into her world, and he's unsure whether he can escape.
Is It Any Good?
While it's not a good movie, this moody psychological thriller is a good watch -- especially with friends. The storyline keeps you guessing ... partly because some of the characters' decisions don't make a whole lot of sense, but it's still fun. Swank plays her part with a poker face: You can't tell whether Det. Quinlan is messing with Derrick but truly trying to help him or undermining him and trying to hurt him. What is clear is that Quinlan is playing a game of cat and mouse with Derrick. Like many noir detectives before her, she's hard boiled -- and while it's tough to tell whether she's the villain, she's definitely the antagonist.
While aspirational Black characters are always welcome, the movie doesn't escape stereotypes. The movie signals Derrick's success in cliched, materialistic ways: His clients are pro athletes, he drives a Lamborghini, and his wife looks like a model (in real life, Damaris Lewis was a model before turning to acting). And his Mullholland Drive home is so beautiful that it's a distraction -- it's easy to get lost in the set design and lose the story. But that's probably more of a problem for adults. For teens, Fatale provides the same psychological reward as a horror film: It puts viewers in the role of the wiser friend, shouting at the screen, "No! Don't go there! What are you doing?" Yes, there are holes in the reasoning, but this isn't a dumb film.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Fatale's message that one mistake can change your life. Do you agree? Why, or why not? Can you think of other movies that have tackled a similar subject?
What is a "flim noir"? How does this film fit into the noir genre? If you've seen classic film noir movies, how does this one compare?
How do you feel about a main character who cheats on his wife? Does your opinion change if you believe she was unfaithful to him, too?
How does the movie portray drinking? Are there realistic consequences? Why does that matter?
How does the film's portrayal of its Black characters undermine or reinforce stereotypes? Why is representation in the media important?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 18, 2020
- On DVD or streaming : March 2, 2021
- Cast : Hilary Swank , Mike Colter , Michael Ealy
- Director : Deon Taylor
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, sexual content and language
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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