I seriously don't know why this movie has so many haters, because this is a good movie in general, and a GREAT Lifetime TV movie. Yes, I know that sounds like a contradiction in terms, but it's really not. These types of movies are meant to be guilty pleasures. I know I'm giving my age away here, but "back in the day", the family used to look forward to the 'Sunday Movie of the Week'. We all have ones we remember from our childhood, either because they scared us, or moved us emotionally. If we re-watch them, sometimes they disappoint, but often they remind us what real entertainment should be - a couple of hours of escape from our lives. This is one of those movies.
It reminds me of another old TV movie called "When Michael Calls," starring Michael Douglas. It doesn't remind me because the plot is exactly the same, but they are both TV movies about psychos, both have big stars who more than makeup for any holes in the plots, and both are enjoyable entertainment. I recommend both, IF you love good old-fashioned escapism.
This movie has believable characters, with actors that more than pull off the roles they are assigned. Understand-this is a TV (Lifetime) movie, BUT the writing is better than most of these and the caliber of actors is the highest. My suspension of disbelief (believability), never wavered from the acting, and only did in a few places, due to the writing. In those few places, I understood why the choice was made. Why call the father/husband, instead of police? Well, it's a metaphor for family strength & unity. I'm sorry that writing choice went over the heads of some of the other reviewers. Not all movies are meant to be realistic.
If you like thrillers, give this one a try, and if you want Oscar quality DON'T WATCH TV MOVIES!!
Here's a list of some of the best TV movies (thrillers), including "When Michael Calls".
Https://www.imdb.com/list/ls045195086/
