Fatal Affair

Movie Trailer

Release Date
July 16, 2020

Genre
Thriller, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Nia Long as Ellie Warren
• Omar Epps as David Hammond
• Stephen Bishop as Marcus Warren
• KJ Smith as Deborah Lee
• Maya Stojan as Courtney
• Jason-Shane Scott as Travis Greene

Director
Peter Sullivan

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Secret Obsession (2019)
• The Sandman (2017)

Producers
Barry Barnholtz, Brian Nolan, Peter Sullivan, Nia Long

Writer
Peter Sullivan, Rasheeda Garner

Budget
Estimated $4 million

Production Company
Hybrid, Netflix

Running Time
89 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
TV-14 (for violence, sexual content, and language)

Content Advisory

• Mild violence
• Sexual content
• Themes of infidelity and obsession

Movie Story
“Fatal Affair” is a psychological thriller that delves into the dangers of past relationships and the consequences of unaddressed obsession. The story follows Ellie Warren (Nia Long), a successful lawyer who is happily married to her husband, Marcus (Stephen Bishop). However, her seemingly perfect life takes a dark turn when she reconnects with David Hammond (Omar Epps), an old college friend, who resurfaces in her life after many years.

Initially, their reunion seems innocent, but it quickly spirals out of control when David becomes fixated on Ellie. After a brief and regretful encounter, Ellie tries to distance herself from David, realizing that he is not the person she once knew. David, however, refuses to let go and begins to insert himself into Ellie’s life in increasingly disturbing ways.

As David’s obsession escalates, he becomes more dangerous, stalking Ellie, manipulating those around her, and even threatening her family. Ellie must confront the reality of her situation and protect her loved ones from a man whose intentions are far more sinister than she could have imagined. The film builds tension as Ellie fights to escape David’s relentless pursuit, leading to a dramatic and suspenseful climax.

“Fatal Affair” explores themes of betrayal, guilt, and the repercussions of seemingly harmless decisions. The movie takes the familiar tropes of the psychological thriller genre and weaves them into a story about the perils of past connections resurfacing with dangerous intent.

Special Effects
“Fatal Affair” relies on its narrative tension and character interactions rather than special effects. The film’s visual style is sleek and polished, with cinematography that enhances the suspenseful atmosphere, particularly in scenes where David’s stalking and manipulations are revealed. The use of lighting and shadow plays a crucial role in creating a sense of unease and foreboding as the story progresses.

Box Office Performance
As a Netflix original film, “Fatal Affair” was released directly on the streaming platform and did not have a traditional theatrical release. The movie quickly became a popular title on Netflix, particularly among fans of psychological thrillers. While it received mixed reviews from critics, it found an audience among those who enjoy suspenseful and drama-filled narratives.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “What we had was just a moment. It’s over.” – Ellie Warren
• “You can’t just walk away. We’re connected now, more than you realize.” – David Hammond

Behind-the-Scenes
“Fatal Affair” was directed by Peter Sullivan, who has a background in creating suspenseful thrillers and dramas. The film marked a reunion for Nia Long and Omar Epps, who had previously starred together in the 2004 film Alfie. Their chemistry on screen was a significant draw for audiences, adding depth to the tension between their characters. The film was shot on location in Los Angeles, with a focus on capturing the glamorous yet increasingly claustrophobic world that Ellie finds herself trapped in.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Fatal Affair” is a tense, albeit familiar, psychological thriller that delivers on suspense and drama. Nia Long and Omar Epps lead the film with strong performances, bringing intensity to their cat-and-mouse dynamic. While the film follows a well-trodden path in the genre of obsession thrillers, it offers an engaging story that keeps viewers invested in the unfolding danger. Though it may not break new ground, “Fatal Affair” is a solid choice for fans of domestic thrillers looking for a quick and suspenseful watch.

IMDb Rating
4.6/10