Dying To Be Loved

Dying To Be Loved is a gripping drama from the Lifetime network that premiered in 2016. This thrilling and emotional movie, directed by Paul Shapiro, teeters on the edge of suspense and horror, bringing to light an intriguing narrative about an unconventional romantic relationship intertwined with familial struggles and psychological complexities.

The 90 minutes long telefilm stars renowned actress Lindsay Hartley, best known for her roles in popular soap operas like "Passions" and "All My Children". Hartley takes on the role of Jill Yates, a mother whose character is a mix of courage and vulnerability, endowing the character with depth and believability. Giving a commendable performance, Hartley brings on-screen the persona of a woman torn between her instincts as a mother and the harsh realities of her challenging relationship with her mentally unstable daughter.

Paloma Kwiatkowski, best recognized for her part in "Bates Motel", plays the character of Emily Yates, Jill's teenage daughter who has a tumultuous past and suffers from a variety of mental health issues. Emily becomes romantically involved with her boyfriend, Gary, portrayed by Jedidiah Goodacre, who shares a similar troubled past. Their intense relationship soon spirals out of control, leading to a series of unpredictable situations and alarming events, drawing the viewers deeper into the terrifying dynamics of their bond.

Dan Payne portrays Jill's boyfriend, Conner. Known for his roles in the "Descendants" series and "Watchmen", Payne gracefully embodies the character of a dedicated and loving partner who is distant yet supportive of Jill's struggle with her daughter. His reserved and calm demeanor offers a stark contrast to the chaotic circumstances surrounding the Yates family.

The narrative of Dying To Be Loved starts introducing Jill Yates as a single mother going through a life-altering experience. A successful businesswoman, her life starts to unravel when her estranged daughter Emily, fresh out of rehab, reappears in her life leading her to question her decisions and confront her shortcomings as a parent. Emily's romantic relationship with her boyfriend Gary, who is also battling his own demons, further escalates the situation. Their intense and unpredictable relationship sparks concerns for Jill who struggles to decipher the reality of their love, leading to increased tension and rebellion.

The storyline takes a dramatic turn when Emily and Gary mysteriously disappear. Their disappearance is followed by the surfacing of a suicide note that indicates both decided to take their own lives together rather than battling the world separate. Jill is left to grapple with this devastating news, but as a mother, her instincts tell her that something is terribly wrong. She has a hard time accepting that Emily would resort to such a drastic step, despite her tumultuous past.

Jill's urgent search for the truth unravels the gritty reality, revealing a shocking conspiracy packed with sinister plans, shattering the illusions of a tragic teenage love story. As the cloud of lies lifts, the events gather a speeding momentum, leading to a nail-biting cliffhanger filled with anticipation.

What stands out in Dying To Be Loved is the poignant representation of a mother's undying love and the lengths she would go to save her child, expertly portrayed by Hartley. The storyline plunges into the maelstrom of mental health causing havoc in the lives of the teenagers and their family, with a flair of suspenseful revelations making it an outstanding watch.

Director Paul Shapiro shows excellent command over the narrative, pairing it with fast-paced development and stunning performances, creating a taut and engaging telefilm. The permeating sense of despair and trauma adds a bleak, heavy ambiance to Dying To Be Loved, while the latter parts of the movie reel towards a semblance of hope. The movie beautifully balances the grim and the hopeful – touching upon the raw themes of mental illness, familial struggles, deception, and unconditional love.

Dying To Be Loved is an emotional rollercoaster. The movie’s ability to continually jolt you out of your comfort zone while inviting you to share in a mother’s heartbreaking journey to salvage her family makes it an unforgettable experience. This intriguing drama, packed with suspense, is surely a must-watch if you're a fan of mystery-saturated and emotionally charged stories.