The Perfect Husband (1993): When Domestic Bliss Turns Dark

Movie Review: "The Perfect Husband" (1993)

Director: John Frankenheimer
Starring: Patrick Bergin, Sherilyn Fenn, and Lara Flynn Boyle
Genre: Thriller, Drama, Mystery
Running Time: 105 minutes

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Plot Summary:

"The Perfect Husband" is a psychological thriller that explores the darker side of domestic life. The story revolves around a seemingly idyllic couple, Tricia (Sherilyn Fenn) and Robert (Patrick Bergin). On the surface, they appear to have it all—a successful marriage, wealth, and a charming, stable life. However, as the film unfolds, the cracks in their relationship start to show, revealing a series of disturbing secrets.

When Tricia starts questioning her husband's increasingly erratic behavior, she is thrust into a web of suspense, fear, and emotional manipulation. The tension mounts as Robert's true nature begins to emerge, and Tricia must confront the chilling possibility that the perfect husband may not be perfect at all.

Review:

"The Perfect Husband" is an intriguing but flawed psychological thriller that thrives on tension and atmosphere, even if it sometimes stumbles in execution. Directed by John Frankenheimer, known for his mastery of suspense and drama (his most famous works include The Manchurian Candidate and Ronin), this film takes a more intimate and disturbing approach to the genre.

The film opens with a sense of quiet unease. Tricia and Robert appear to be the quintessential couple, but there's an undercurrent of discomfort that suggests all is not as it seems. The setting is beautifully crafted, and Frankenheimer uses the confined spaces of their upscale home to create an ominous atmosphere. The film thrives on its sense of mystery, constantly keeping the audience on edge as the relationship between the two protagonists unravels.

Performance:

Sherilyn Fenn, known for her role as Audrey Horne in Twin Peaks, gives a solid performance as Tricia, capturing her gradual descent into fear and confusion. She portrays a woman who, despite her outward composure, is increasingly torn apart by the realization that the man she loves may not be who he seems. Fenn’s ability to convey vulnerability without overacting is one of the film's strengths, allowing the audience to empathize with her inner turmoil.

Patrick Bergin, who rose to fame with Sleeping with the Enemy, plays Robert with a chilling sense of menace. His portrayal of a seemingly perfect husband who harbors a dark, twisted side is effective in building suspense. However, the film occasionally struggles with how to balance his character's motivations, and Bergin’s performance occasionally lapses into melodrama, undermining some of the tension.

Lara Flynn Boyle, in a supporting role, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. Her character seems to function as a catalyst for the events that push Tricia further into her paranoid spiral. Boyle’s understated presence adds an interesting dynamic to the trio.

Direction and Cinematography:

Frankenheimer does a commendable job of building suspense through tight shots and shadowy, almost claustrophobic framing. His ability to evoke a sense of dread without relying on gore or overt violence is noteworthy. The film often shifts between moments of quiet domestic life and bursts of heightened tension, and Frankenheimer's pacing keeps the audience engaged even when the narrative feels a little predictable.

The cinematography, while not groundbreaking, serves the story well. The muted color palette enhances the somber tone, while the use of lighting—particularly shadows—adds an almost gothic quality to the film. The house itself becomes a character, with its sprawling corridors and dark corners amplifying the feeling of isolation and entrapment that Tricia feels.

Themes:

At its core, "The Perfect Husband" is a story about trust, deception, and the illusion of perfection in relationships. It explores how a facade of normalcy can hide profound darkness, and how a person can be blind to the signs of manipulation and abuse. The film also grapples with the idea of how deeply people can internalize their fears and doubts, especially when the person they love most in the world may be their greatest threat.

The thriller aspect of the film does well to keep the audience guessing, but there are times when the plot feels too reliant on familiar tropes, especially as the final act unfolds. It’s clear where the story is headed long before the conclusion, and some of the twists feel predictable.

Conclusion:

While "The Perfect Husband" has its flaws—especially in terms of pacing and predictability—it is an engaging thriller that offers strong performances, an atmospheric setting, and a creeping sense of tension. The film is a solid entry into the genre, even if it doesn't quite rise to the level of some of its more famous contemporaries. It’s a film about the lies we tell ourselves and the secrets we keep hidden, and for fans of psychological suspense, it's worth a watch.

If you're a fan of thrillers with a focus on relationships unraveling under pressure, The Perfect Husband may be a film you’ll find worth revisiting—just don't expect anything too revolutionary in terms of plot twists. Still, it offers enough intrigue and suspense to be a satisfying ride for those willing to embrace its darker themes.

Rating: 3.5/5 – A suspenseful, if somewhat predictable, thriller that succeeds thanks to its atmosphere and strong performances.