Missionary

Missionary is an American dramatic-thriller movie released in 2013. It is directed by Anthony DiBlasi and written by Bruce Wood and Scott Poiley. The film features an impressive cast, with Dawn Olivieri, Mitch Ryan, and Kip Pardue delivering outstanding performances that bring emotion and excitement to their respective characters. This film merges the charm of drama and the thrill of suspense to create a cinematic experience that leaves viewers at the edge of their seats.

The plot of Missionary is daring, engaging, and thought-provoking – one that pulls you in from the first scene till the last. Dawn Olivieri plays the role of Katherine, a single mother living and working in Florida, who balances the stress of her job with the love and responsibilities of raising her son Kesley alone. Things change dramatically when two men come into Katherine's life which hinges on many unanticipated events.

Mitch Ryan takes the character of Elder Kevin Brock, a well-intentioned Mormon missionary with a strong belief in his faith. He presents a virtuous figure embracing simplicity, humility, and devotion to his religion. However, underneath his composed and righteous exterior lie concealed obsessions and a darker side. On the other hand, Kip Pardue portrays the role of Ian, Katherine's estranged football star husband. Despite his charismatic charm and fame, it becomes apparent that there are strained relations between him and Katherine due to his past indiscretions.

Complications arise when Elder Brock becomes too personally attached to Katherine and nurtures a strong desire for her. This intense infatuation leads to a forbidden love affair between Elder Brock and Katherine, which further intensifies the tension in the plot. As Elder Brock's commitment to Katherine deepens, it starts to manifest not just in passion, but becomes an obsession, challenging his professed devotion to his religion.

Meanwhile, Ian’s aim to reunite with Katherine presents a whole new challenge to her already complex life. This fluctuating dynamic between Katherine, Elder Brock, and Ian underpins the drama part of the movie, where love, passion, and obsession form a dangerous mix.

As the story unfolds, it explores the theme of how obsessions can lead to unreasonable measures, sometimes even threatening the peace and safety of others. The film successfully explores the frightening lengths to which a man can go when obsession overtakes reason in a captivating yet alarming storyline. It combines elements of sincere and intense love, fear, danger, and survival in its narrative.

The director, Anthony DiBlasi, wonderfully captures the emotion, tension, and intensity within each character. He does a commendable job of maintaining suspense and keeping the viewers engrossed in the plot throughout the movie.

The performances of the cast are worth mentioning, bringing authenticity to their characters. Dawn Olivieri blends strength with vulnerability in her portrayal of Katherine, a woman caught in the crosshairs of desire, past regrets, and fears for her safety. Mitch Ryan, playing Elder Brock, convincingly depicts the transformation from a charismatic missionary into an obsessed figure who loses control over his impulses. Kip Pardue effectively captures the essence of a flawed yet, at the same time, charming and repentant character in the form of Ian.

Missionary is not your typical love triangle drama or thriller. It uniquely blends the concepts of unrequited love, dark obsession, and the complexities of human emotions. It’s a movie that offers a powerful storyline coupled with strong character development, intriguing plot twists, and intense scenes that keep the audience on their toes.

The cinematography is striking and adds depth to each scene. The background score enhances the mood, sometimes building tension and other times rolling with the emotional flow of the scene. Alongside, the solid scriptwriting supports the well-rounded performances from the actors. All of these aspects contribute to making Missionary a compelling and worthwhile watch.

In conclusion, Missionary is an intense film which artfully combines the thrill of suspense and complexities of emotions. Through its well-executed narrative, it raises a mirror to the frightening potential of an obsession. With its gripping plot and outstanding performances from the cast, it stands as a notable entry into the dramatic-thriller genre.