Patricia Cornwell's At Risk

Patricia Cornwell's At Risk is a thrilling 2010 TV movie based on a novel by crime author Patricia Cornwell. The movie is centered around the compelling figure of District Attorney Monique “Money” Lamont (Andie MacDowell), a high-powered, strong-willed woman with her sights set on becoming the Governor of Massachusetts.

In order to propel her career forward, she devises an innovative plan, code-named "At Risk," to solve old, cold cases using modern forensic techniques. She handpicks a select team, nominating Win Garano (Daniel Sunjata), a skilled and intuitive detective, as the lead investigator. Win, though skeptical of Lamont's political ambitions, is nevertheless dedicated and dutiful in his work.

Monique assigns Win with an unusual task. She pulls an old unsolved Tennessee murder case - involving a blind woman who was brutally slain two decades ago - out of the cold case files. This decision is strategic as Lamont has identified Tennessee as her birth state, which she intends to leverage during her campaign.

Despite an unsuccessful attempt to solve the brutal murder case by the authorities in the past, Lamont feels convinced that with the help of modern forensic tools and analysis, the cold case could be solved. She believes that resolving the case will not only grant closure to the victim’s family, but also gain her political support. Win is flown down to Tennessee, where he must navigate through unfamiliar territory and intersecting webs of local power structures, prejudice, and deceit.

Alongside Andie MacDowell and Daniel Sunjata, Annabeth Gish also delivers a strong performance as Detective Delma Sykes. She is a hardworking, shrewd investigator dealing with the intricate delicacies of the small-town disposition in Knoxville, where the old case is rooted.

Despite the looming question of who killed the blind woman many years ago, Win faces another challenge. He must also unravel the unsaid truths, secrets, and ulterior motives within his own team. Monique's driving ambition and a lack of transparency breed distrust in the ranks.

As Win and Sykes dig deep into the cold case, they must also tread carefully around the political minefield laid out by Lamont. The movie unveils the complexities of crime-solving through an intriguing plot that intertwines law enforcement, politics, ambition, and human fallibility. Not only must Win catch a killer, but he also must steer clear of Lamont's sharp political machinations.

The movie encapsulates the essence of Patricia Cornwell's trademark of blending thrills, suspense, and crime-solving intricacies. It explores the world of cold case forensics with traces of political maneuvering and personal ambition. It's a gripping watch for those who love crime thrillers and forensic dramas.

Andie MacDowell delivers a noteworthy performance, bringing out the shades of her multifaceted character, Monique Lamont. MacDowell's portrayal of Lamont as a woman of ambition, strength, and political savvy is riveting, embodying the spirit of a woman striving to make her mark in a male-dominated world.

Daniel Sunjata's acting skills are equally commendable as Win Garano. He perfectly captures the facets of a detective trapped between his duty to solve a case and the political undercurrents that are capable of disrupting his efforts.

Patricia Cornwell's At Risk delivers a story that is captivating from start to finish. It weaves a complex web of suspense, intrigue, and twists that will engage viewers on every level. It is a novel re-creation of a cold crime investigation within a political framework.

Through its compelling performances and intriguing storyline, Patricia Cornwell's At Risk offers a glimpse into the complex interworking of political ambition and crime-solving, proving both an electrifying thriller and a thought-provoking social critique. This cinematic offering is a must-watch for all fans of mysteries, crime dramas, and courtroom thrillers.