Shattered

Shattered is a riveting 2017 movie centred around the life of Kate Stenson (Molly Burnett), a successful woman living a seemingly picture-perfect life with her husband, Tucker (Adam Huss), and her little son, Chris. However, beneath this perfect surface lies a quagmire of secrets and lies that slowly unravel to expose a life that is anything but what it seems to be. Directed by Natasha Kermani, the movie grips the audience's attention as the suspense builds, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, guessing what turn the plot might take next.

The storyline forwards with Kate dreaming of an award akin to the Pulitzer Prize for her investigative journalism. Living in a luxurious Portland home, she seems to have it all, until she discovers harrowing secrets about her past that threaten to shatter her present. She's forced to juggle her ambition, love for her family, and the dark realities that threaten to implode her existence.

In her job as an investigative journalist, Kate is portrayed as a fearless, no-nonsense woman always seeking the truth, regardless of the consequences. However, as disturbing truths about her past bubble to the surface, both her personal and professional life are put to the test. Her unraveling resilience in the face of adversity is poignant throughout the storyline.

Molly Burnett, known for her work on television soap operas, delivers a credible and impressive performance, skillfully capturing the emotional turmoil of a woman facing some devastating truths. She evolves from a successful, confident woman to a person questioning every facet of her life and mustering the courage to deal with the consequences of her discoveries.

Ray Wise, who plays the role of Dr. Lipton, brings a mature intensity to his character, making his performance an engaging factor to the narrative. His involvement in unveiling the concealed truths is crux to the storyline, adding to the movie's suspense elements. Adam Huss’s portrayal of Tucker, a supportive yet complex husband also adds depth to the story.

Arianne Zucker, who plays the role of Ella, delivers an impressive performance. Ella's character is intricately woven into the storyline, providing an emotional breadth to the plot. Her character's role significantly impacts the subsequent intertwining of the film’s central themes.

The director successfully manages to exploit the elements of suspense and thriller to the hilt, delivering a movie that is full of mystery and drama. The plot is interesting and the storytelling is filled with unpredictable yet exciting twists and turns. The viewer is left to anticipate what other secrets are going to be revealed, the magnitude of impact they have on Kate's life, and how she will deal with them, both personally and professionally.

Shattered's cinematography is both compelling and pleasing, the visuals complement the storyline, enhancing the mood and tone of the film. Each frame unfolds meticulously, contributing to developing a suspenseful atmosphere that engrosses you into the narrative.

Aside from its visual elements, the movie's sound design and score do an excellent job of heightening tension and illustrating emotions. The soundtrack significantly contributes to the overall mood, building suspense and guiding the audience through the film's emotional arc.

The character development throughout the movie is complimented well by a stellar cast. Each character is deeply connected to the story and plays significant roles in uncovering the secrets of the film. They individually contribute to the storyline with their distinctive character arcs, allowing the viewer to connect with them on various levels.

In conclusion, Shattered is a gripping and suspenseful movie that deals with the complexities of family relationships, personal ambition, and buried secrets in an invigorating way. The cast exudes stellar performances, embodying their respective roles with emotional depth, and the direction does justice to the screenplay by maintaining the right balance of suspense, drama, and emotion. This movie is a compelling watch for anyone who enjoys suspenseful thrillers with twists of emotional relationships.