Obsessed

Every so often, in the quest for the next big hit, Hollywood writers and directors try to remake a successful movie; and just as often, the remake does little to satisfy. Such is the case in Steve Shill’s “Obsessed” starring singer Beyoncé Knowles and Idris Elba (“Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls,” “American Gangster”). This wannabe “Fatal Attraction” has its moments, but it leaves much to be desired; this is probably due to Beyoncé’s lackluster and hardly believable performance.

Elba plays Derek Charles, a charming corporate exec who finds himself in the midst of an office scandal when a temporary worker named Lisa (Ali Larter) makes unwanted sexual advances toward him. Attempts to thwart her pressure only lead him into more hot water when his wife, Sharon (Knowles), refuses to believe that Derek has not been lecherous. The charges are compounded given the fact that Sharon is a former assistant to Derek; their relationship started as an office tryst. Lisa is certifiable and will stop at nothing to have Derek all to herself.

The action of this film is quite formulaic; nothing new here. There were moments where the suspense was worthwhile; both Elba and Larter give laudable performances, despite the predictability of the script. The film may have been more enjoyable had it not been for the inclusion of Knowles in this role. Despite her commercial success as an R&B singer, Beyoncé has a very limited acting range. She continues to be given roles because of her A-list celebrity status, but they tend to be one-note characters—such is the case in “Obsessed.” Perhaps a more seasoned actress could have lifted this performance to a higher level.

The film is a Christian educator’s gold mine, though. One could argue that the script is loosely based upon the Genesis account of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife. Determined not to defile himself by committing adultery, Joseph rejected the woman’s advances, and he ended up in the dungeon. Such is the case with Derek Charles; he purposed in his heart that he would keep his marriage vows and wound up in the clutches of a devious psychopath. The recurring theme in the film is transparency and honesty between husband and wife; secrets can have tragic consequences. The film has an anti-divorce message that is rare to see in Hollywood productions.

Middle of the road; this writer gives Obsessed a C-.

Violence: Moderate / Profanity: Mild / Sex/Nudity: Moderate

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.