Wandering Eye

Wandering Eye is a captivating and suspenseful 2011 Lifetime original movie that encapsulates themes of infidelity, mystery, deceit, and suspense in a thrilling roller-coaster of emotions. The film features a stellar cast, including Amanda Righetti, widely recognized for her roles in The O.C. and Colony, Krista Bridges from Land of the Dead, and Andrew Shaver, predominantly known for his theater work.

Wandering Eye draws us into the life of Maren Abbott, compellingly portrayed by Amanda Righetti. Maren is a housewife who finds herself in a seemingly perfect yet dull marriage to her husband, Gary, played by Andrew Shaver. While Gary is a successful man who provides well for Maren, their relationship lacks the spark it once had, creating feelings of discontent and longing within Maren who craves for more than just material comfort.

Feeling neglected and lost in her marriage, Maren finds solace in a chat site where she meets a variety of interesting individuals. These interactions add excitement into her mundane life, offering her the emotional connection that she's missing with her husband.

As Maren grows increasingly attached to this virtual escape from her real-life, the film introduces us to a character of intriguing allure, who elevates the narrative to new heights of suspense and intrigue. Maren, drawn to this charismatic stranger, embarks on a precarious emotional journey that gives the film its heart-pounding thrill.

Meanwhile, Krista Bridges breathes life into the character of the stern and no-nonsense Detective Barrick. Barrick finds herself on a hunt to solve a series of gruesome crimes that are taking place in the city. The perpetrators of these heinous activities remain ambiguous, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats, wondering who could be behind these crimes.

The two seemingly separate strands of the narrative, Maren's emotional turmoil and Detective Barrick's investigation, begin to intertwine mysteriously, creating a web of suspense and uncertainty. The characters' paths cross in unexpected ways as the plot thickens, culminating in an explosive climax.

The film does an excellent job of juxtaposing these two disparate women's lives. While Maren's life begins to unravel, Detective Barrick becomes more relentless and aggressive in solving the city's strange crimes. What binds them is a shared search for truth and justice in their own ways.

Wandering Eye, directed by Francois Dompierre, frames a compelling narrative of an unfulfilled housewife, a relentless detective, and a mysterious stranger. The storyline examines the choices its characters make when faced with temptation and the potentially devastating consequences of these decisions. It reflects on moral integrity and the dangers of seeking solace and validation outside one's own life.

Set against a backdrop of a seemingly peaceful city with a dark underbelly, Wandering Eye depicts a world seeped in secrets, deceit, and crime. The film does this through beautiful cinematography that captures the quiet loneliness of the suburbs, the grimness of the city's crime scenes, and the cold sterility of the digital world.

From a production standpoint, Wandering Eye impresses with solid performances by all the actors and tight storytelling that keeps viewers guessing. Amanda Righetti delivers a standout portrayal of the tormented Maren, navigates the complexities of her character’s emotional struggle meticulously, fostering sympathy and intrigue among viewers. Krista Bridges, on the other hand, effectively portrays the firm resolve and perseverance of her character, Detective Barrick, in the face of adversity.

Wandering Eye will prove a worthy watch for those who appreciate suspense, intrigue, and crime-drama, blended with a deep exploration of relationships and moral boundaries. The multi-layered plot in combination with a nuanced portrayal of characters ensures this film stays with the audience long after the credits roll. The movie takes you on a thrilling ride examining the human heart's inner workings and the dire consequences that can manifest when a 'wandering eye' crosses the boundary of accepted societal norms.