Movie Review - The Perfect Assistant

The Perfect Assistant

AKA:  The Perfect Secretary

AKA:  Secretary 2

2008

The Cast

Be aware you have to stay with this film for it to gell together correctly.  At the start of the movie, my finger was hovering over the off button for at least the first twenty minutes.  I was close to the pressing point.  But something in my mind stopped me from depressing the button.

The story starts out with David Prescott's (Potter) wife Carol (Marcil) being rushed to the hospital.   David contacts his personal assistant, Rachel (Davis), to bring her up to speed and to cancel and rearrange meetings until his wife is better.  However, Rachel isn't as stable as she appears.  She sees David as one of the good men and is truly upset to hear about his wife.  She asks how their daughter, Isabelle (Szalankiewicz) is coping.  From here on in we get to see her slowly immerse herself into the Prescott's life and family as her delusion grows.  It's this growth and the path it leads her down that makes this movie watchable.  It gives the story twists and turns that show the workings of a broken mind.  Her morals lose ground as her infatuation and obsession grow... how far will she go in what she believes to be true love?

I believe that had this been given to a stronger cast and director it would have been a fantastic thought-provoking and chilling film.  However, what we get is an entertaining and easily watchable afternoon TV movie.

Though the direction is pretty standard for this style of flick more powerful atmosphere and tension were called for to add strength to the project.  For me, the worst thing about the film was the acting.  Especially from Josie Davis who is a little too over the top with her characterisation - less definitely would have been more.   However, it's not a constant thing as there are times when she's spot on with her portrayal.  Then there's Deborah Pollitt as Nora... okay, so I actually know people like this so she conveys a realistic character, however, with Josie Davis' performance it makes Pollitt's idiosyncrasies more than a little irritating.  One annoying character per film is enough.

Since this film surprised me I would recommend it to all psychological thriller fans, though you have to stay with it for the full effect - it's a potboiler.

I give this a psychologically sound average of 5.75 out of 10.

The Trailer