THE WRONG STUDENT

In the 2017 Lifetime movie, The Wrong Student, viewers are thrown into an intense psycho-thriller, filled with obsession, deception, and terrifying encounters. Directed by David DeCoteau and starring Jessica Morris, Vivica A. Fox, and Jason-Shane Scott, the film traverses a treacherous terrain of high school life gone horrendously astray.

Jessica Morris portrays the character of Amber Pollock, a dedicated soccer coach who, in the aftermath of a collapsed marriage, channels all her energy into leading her team to victory. She is a solid rock for her team, giving them the necessary motivation and guidance to face the tough world of high school sports. She's not only their coach, but also their trusted confidante and mentor.

Enter teenage Maddie Monroe, played by Evanne Friedmann. Maddie is the niece of Kelly Halligan, a career-focused woman relocated from New York and played by Vivica A Fox. In her new family-oriented environment, Kelly quickly becomes fond of her niece Maddie and takes keen interest in her soccer activities. The initial bond formed between Maddie and her aunt Kelly only further complicates the web of relationships within the storyline.

Maddie's attention and desire, however, are focused on her soccer coach, Amber. Maddie, a seemingly unassuming student, unveils her dark side as her fascination for her coach crosses the line of standard student-teacher boundaries, escalating it to the point of dangerous obsession. Every rejection from Amber magnifies Maddie's determination to destroy anything and anyone that prevents her from having her coach, even if it means bringing chaos to Amber's peacefully reconstructed life.

Jason-Shane Scott appears as Dominic, the friendly neighbor to Kelly and potential love interest for Amber. Dominic swiftly becomes wrapped in the turmoil instigated by Maddie's fixation on Amber. His inquisitive nature leads him to some startling discoveries that throw a wrench into his budding romance and further complicate the chaotic web of events.

Meanwhile, Vivica A. Fox's character, Kelly, aims to ensure a peaceful and safe life for her niece in their new town. But even her efforts lead her into the spiraling chaos of Maddie's obsession. Her well-meaning attentiveness morphs into stern protectiveness, putting her at odds with her niece, and into the crosshairs of the alarming confrontation brewing beneath the surface.

The Wrong Student thus showcases a mundane high school setting warped into an arena of alarming obsessions and deadly mind games. The teen angst and spirit of competition on the soccer ground are vastly overshadowed by sinister feelings of unease. The tension heightens at a relentless pace, making each interaction fraught with suspense. The movie expertly plays with the dynamics of obsession, betrayal, and deceit as it keeps audience members gripped until the end credits roll.

The performances bring depth to the storyline, each actor fitting their role like a second skin. Jessica Morris skillfully portrays Amber's confusion and terror while Evanne Friedmann brings an enigmatic intensity to Maddie. Vivica A. Fox slips into the caring but stern mold of Kelly with ease while Jason Shane-Scott infuses life into Dominic’s compassionate and suspicious character.

The Wrong Student performed well as a Lifetime movie, becoming a fast favorite of viewers who love to be on the edge of their seats. For those who like psychological thrillers or suspenseful films, this movie is no doubt an entertaining watch. The psychological terror woven with aspects of everyday life sets the movie apart from others in its genre.

The directorial brilliance and commendable performances are layered over a narrative web that delves into various aspects of the human psyche. The Wrong Student is not just a high school thriller but also a piercing exploration of obsession, psychological chaos, and human vulnerability. It is a compelling Lifetime movie, one that certainly keeps its audience intrigued, shocked, and thrilled at every unforeseen twist.