Over the years it’s become a bit of a trend to read headlines discussing a pit-bull attack. Sure, it’s been known to be an aggressive breed, but I tend to be in the camp that believes it’s the owner who truly reflects a dog’s behavior.  Another unsettling trend that has been in the news lately is the abuse inflicted upon these animals, whether it is to “toughen” the dog up for fighting or simply that the dog was an unfortunate object that a person decided to unleash their cruelty upon.  I note this not to attempt to make any social commentary, but instead to set up this film that tackles both sides of the coin when it comes to pit bulls, and it just so happens to be based upon a true story. 

Donna (Emmanuelle Vaugier) and Roy (Burgess Jenkins) Lawrence are a happy married couple with a newborn on the way.  Life couldn’t get better for the Lawrence family as they are preparing the bedroom for what is expected to be their first child.  In the neighborhood there is a dog that is barking, so Donna and her neighbor go to investigate; they find a pit bull that has been tied to a tree with no food and water and owners that are unaccounted for.  In an act of kindness, Donna goes to feed the dog the next day and is viciously attacked.   Not only does she lose the baby, but complications make it impossible for Donna to ever have children again.  The recovery alone is enough drama to fill a movie as Donna struggles with depression and Roy is overcome with anger issues of his own.

"Let's be careful out there!"

The final season of Hill Street Blues arrives from Shout Factory. I think it's likely you already have the full series collection. If not, this isn't really the place to start. Over the course of seven years you really get a chance to get to know these characters. You see them evolve both as actors and characters. Yes, it all comes together with one of the better season finale episodes in television history. You just can't deny yourself a chance to see it all. Last year I took that journey once again and binged the entire seven seasons, and I'm up for it again. In case you missed what there was to say about the show...read on.

It is not very often that I am able to say that a film revolving around an extramarital affair keeps me engaged. While the writing in Adulterers became rather unfavorable towards the end, the strength of the conflict and the pacing of the editing and cinematography combine to make a significant force. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised by the intensity of the drama that unfolds among the disturbed trio, but there were many moments that distracted me from that pleasure. Through this review, I aim to be as fair and as spoiler-free as possible. I believe this film is definitely worth the watch, regardless of what does not “work” for me.

Adulterers tells the story of Samuel Deuprey (Sean Ferris), a hardworking man, who comes home to find his wife (Danielle Savre) in bed with her lover (Mehcad Brooks). The events and scenes that follow are rooted in humiliation, depravity, and violence, as Samuel decides to resolve the situation in his own way. The way in which Adulterers heightens the tension is through adding details such as: the events transpire on the couple’s anniversary, Samuel works long hours to provide for his wife, money may or may not be involved, etc. While each of the details introduced into the film’s story may be cliché for dramatic films about affairs, they are absolutely necessary in order to understand Samuel’s rage and mania.