Fatale
Movie Trailer
Release Date
December 18, 2020
Genre
Thriller, Crime, Drama
Cast & Crew
- Hilary Swank as Detective Valerie Quinlan
- Michael Ealy as Derrick Tyler
- Mike Colter as Rafe Grimes
- Damaris Lewis as Tracie Tyler
- Tyrin Turner as Tyrin Abenathy
Director
Deon Taylor
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Intruder (2019)
- Black and Blue (2019)
- Traffik (2018)
Producer
Roxanne Avent, Deon Taylor, Hilary Swank
Writer
David Loughery
Budget
$8 million (estimated)
Production Company
Hidden Empire Film Group
Running Time
102 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong sexual content
- Violence
- Language
Movie Story
Fatale is a tense thriller that weaves a web of deceit, betrayal, and murder. The story revolves around Derrick Tyler, a successful sports agent who seems to have it all: a thriving career, a beautiful wife, and a luxurious lifestyle. However, everything spirals out of control after Derrick has a one-night stand during a trip to Las Vegas. The woman he meets, Valerie Quinlan, turns out to be a determined and troubled detective with her own dark past.
When Derrick returns home, he attempts to put the night behind him, but Valerie re-enters his life in the most unexpected way—she is assigned to investigate a home invasion at his house. As Valerie becomes more entwined in Derrick’s life, her obsession grows, leading to a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Derrick is soon caught in a nightmare where his decisions come back to haunt him, and he must find a way to escape Valerie’s tightening grip before it’s too late.
The film explores themes of infidelity, manipulation, and the consequences of poor decisions, all set against the backdrop of Los Angeles. As the plot twists and turns, the true nature of each character is revealed, with the line between victim and perpetrator becoming increasingly blurred. Hilary Swank delivers a chilling performance as Valerie, a woman whose personal demons drive her to extreme measures, while Michael Ealy portrays Derrick as a man struggling to regain control of his life as it unravels.
Special Effects
Fatale uses special effects sparingly, focusing instead on building suspense through its narrative and cinematography. The film’s few action sequences are well-executed, relying on practical effects to heighten the tension without detracting from the story’s psychological elements.
Box Office Performance
Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fatale had a limited theatrical release and simultaneously debuted on video-on-demand platforms. Despite the challenging release environment, the film grossed approximately $7.1 million worldwide, performing reasonably well given its modest budget and distribution challenges.
Filming Locations
- Los Angeles, California, USA
Notable Quotes
- “You made a mistake. The important thing is to learn from it and move on.” – Derrick Tyler
- “Sometimes we’re forced to become the person we were always meant to be.” – Valerie Quinlan
Behind-the-Scenes
Fatale was shot primarily in Los Angeles, with the city’s iconic landmarks and gritty urban environment serving as the perfect backdrop for the film’s dark and twisted narrative. Director Deon Taylor and writer David Loughery, who previously collaborated on The Intruder, aimed to create a modern noir that challenges audiences with its morally complex characters and unpredictable storyline.
Awards
- No notable awards.
Final Verdict
Fatale is a gripping thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its blend of suspense, drama, and unexpected twists. Hilary Swank’s performance as the manipulative detective adds a layer of intensity to the film, making it a compelling watch for fans of psychological thrillers. While it may not break new ground in the genre, it delivers a solid and entertaining experience.
IMDb Rating
5.4/10