WFG RATING: A

Buffalo 8 presents a Phaedrea to Black/Original Nose production. Directed by Lauren Greenhall. Produced by Amanda Jane Stern, Julian Seltzer, Stephen Carlile, and Lauren Greenhall. Written by Amanda Jane Stern; story by Stern and Julian Seltzer. Cinematography by Matt Braunsdorf. Edited by Xiao Han.

Stars Stephen Carlile and Amanda Jane Stern

A couple’s attempt to reconnect and rekindle their spark comes with a major surprise in this thriller written by and starring Amanda Jane Stern in a tour de force performance.

Eight years ago at a social function, British-born David met college sophomore Ruby, who was getting ready for an internship at a tech company. The two began a very torrid relationship that has gone on and off for eight years. One of the issues involving their relationship was that Ruby wasn’t really ready to commit and wanted to focus on her job. David, on the other hand, feels like he can’t live without Ruby. When they get together again, Ruby plans to bring a surprise for David that will change the course of their relationship forever.

This thriller was written and stars Amanda Jane Stern as one half of the couple involved in this story. The film plays out like a stage play in three acts and of course adds an opening prologue as to how we meet David and Ruby. Stern brings innocence to the role of Ruby. When we meet her, she is still in college and goes to a social function for free food. Stephen Carlile is also excellent as David, the British man who wins Ruby’s heart and can be said to take away such innocence.

As the film progresses, we get to see why the couple has been on and off for so long. It all boils down to one simple factor, and that’s obsession. David may seem like the charming knight in shining armor, but he has some very dangerous flaws. He has an obsessive nature that he can’t live without Ruby and tends to snap at even one simple question, always telling her how, as the title indicates, ruins a “perfectly good moment”. At least that’s according to him.

However, the end of the second act brings out a turn that at first reading the plot, seems predictable. However, what Stern did with the screenplay was ingenious as she resorts to using a method I never expected. And that’s what makes this better than most of these typical thrillers that have that “revenge” factor. Stern and director Lauren Greenhall bring something fresh and exciting to the mix. You’ll want to be rooting for Ruby the whole film out. 

Perfectly Good Moment may sound like a typical Lifetime thriller of sorts, but it delves into something more ingenuous and fresh to the love-revenge angle with an amazing performance and script by Amanda Jane Stern. Definitely worth checking out!

The film is now streaming on Tubi and Amazon Prime