And Baby Will Fall

And Baby Will Fall is a captivating 2011 thriller produced by Lifetime, starring the talented Anastasia Griffith and Brendan Fehr and directed by Bradley Walsh. It also features Clea DuVall in a critical role. This chilling film with an intricate plot is based on the novel "Never Tell A Lie" by Hallie Ephron, retaining the essence of its suspense and thrill with adept screenplay adaptation.

The central characters of the story are Ivy (Anastasia Griffith) and David (Brendan Fehr). A couple deeply in love, they are excitedly awaiting the arrival of their first child. This portrayal of an ideal couple with an impending bundle of joy is a heartwarming site and creates an instant connection with the audience who are inexplicably drawn towards Ivy and David's palpable happiness. Their well-adjusted life seems like a dream until an old school friend, Melinda White (Clea DuVall), walks back into their existence during a yard sale.

Melinda, as a character, is intriguing and establishes a gripping entry point into the narrative. She is unexpectedly pregnant and alone, creating an instant contrast between the two scenarios. Melinda's mere presence initiates a series of events that from here spiral into a twisted plot that continues to intensify as the story unfolds. The film employs a commendable play of flashbacks, providing brief glimpses into the past life and relationships of the characters, deepening the intrigue.

What unfolds from Melinda's fateful encounter with Ivy and David is a deep and dark mystery that starts impacting their lives. Ivy and David's dream life spirals into a nightmare as they are swooped into a vortex of suspicion, deceit, and fear. The police start to probe into their lives as some appalling facts about Melinda begin to surface.

Anastasia Griffith, as Ivy, brings an emotional depth to her role with a touching portrayal of an expectant mother who experiences joyous anticipation and devastating fear simultaneously. Brendan Fehr steps into the role of David with ease, portraying a loving husband increasingly tormented by the unspooling situation. Clea DuVall also gives a noteworthy performance as Melinda, bringing a sense of vulnerability and uncanniness to her character with nuanced detailing.

And Baby Will Fall is a suspenseful story woven tightly, and unfolding gradually at a pace that keeps the audience hooked, anticipating the next twist. It brilliantly portrays the gray shades in characters, dismantling the archetype of 'good' and 'evil.' The narrative also delves into the complex nuances of relationships and their implications, further coloring the narrative with emotional depth.

The screenplay, written by Walter Klenhard, seamlessly blends elements of suspense and emotional drama. Interestingly, a dash of horror can also be discerned in the narrative, adding another layer to the suspenseful drama. The film’s atmosphere is magnificently created by cinematographer Mahlon Todd Williams, and editor Gordon McClellan. Together, they build a tense and edgy landscape that helps set the mood for the movie and amplify the feeling of suspense.

Alongside this, Bradley Walsh’s direction exhibits a keen eye for detail and presents a well-crafted movie rich in aesthetic appeal. His skill lies in propelling the narrative forward, using every opportunity to heighten the anticipation and maintain a steady narrative tension.

The film is representative of the classic style of Lifetime movies – filled with suspense, shock value, and interpersonal dynamics. The movie's cliffhanger moments, believable performances, and the success in keeping viewers on the edge till the last moment make it a movie worth watching.

And Baby Will Fall is captivatingly scary as it unravels its storyline intricately, thus appealing particularly to those who appreciate a chilling, mystery-ridden film. It offers drama that involves love, friendship, sinister secrets, and a journey that ultimately tests the strength of relationships. It is a spine-tingling exploration of an expectant couple's life, bringing an unusual paradigm to the genre of dramatic thrillers. It’s an ideal watch for those who crave a suspenseful narrative that is more about the journey than the destination.