'Dying in Plain Sight' aka 'Starving' (2024) date, plot, full cast and is the Lifetime movie worth watching

This film lumbs the darkest depths of human mental health
UPDATED JAN 17, 2024
A promo poster for the Lifetime movie Dying In Plain Sight
A promo poster for the Lifetime movie Dying In Plain Sight

Movie name: Dying in Plain Sight aka Starving

Platform: Lifetime

Country of origin: USA

Date of Release: January 20, 2024

Genre: Drama

Director: Michelle Ouellet

Writer: Lydia Genner

Full cast: Raffa Virago, Nicola Correia-Damude, Carlos Gonzalez-Vio, Raven Dauda, Anna Cummer, Adrianna Di Liello, Yanna McIntosh, Barb Mitchell, David LeReaney, Shawn Seward, Jenny Steele, Susan Serrao

What is the plot of 'Dying in Plain Sight' aka 'Starving'?

Oooff this is a dark one. The movie -- ostensibly inspired by true events -- revolves around high-schooler Morgan Cruz and her mother Kim. When Kim dumps her cheating husband she decides to go on a health kick, but as she focuses on her body, she fails to recognize that Morgan (who was considered overweight) has stopped eating altogether. What follows is a descent into a parent's nightmare, as Morgan -- who at first was applauded for her weight loss -- begins to waste away. As Kim rushes her to the hospital where she is treated for near-fatal malnutrition, Kim begins to explore the dark labyrinths of eating disorders, their causes, and the toll it takes on family.

'Dying in Plain Sight' aka 'Starving' Main Cast

Nicola Correia-Damude

A still of Nicola Correia-Damude in a scene from 'Shadowhunters'
A still of Nicola Correia-Damude in a scene from 'Shadowhunters'

The 26 billion fans of 'Shadowhunters' will be no strangers to Nicole, having seen her play Maryse Lightwood in their raison d'etre. She would go on to star in the slightly bizarre series and follow-up movie 'Dino Dana' before landing the role of Diane Evans in the excellent 'Burden of Truth' opposite Kristin Kreuk. She also starred as Elena in the magnificently over-the-top 'The Boys' and as Detective Lena Torres in the hilarious 'Resident Alien'. Fans can see her next in 'Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent' and in the movie 'My Spy: The Eternal City' alongside Anna Faris and Dave Bautista. Nicole plays Kim in 'Dying in Plain Sight'.  

Raffa Virago

Raffa Virago (left) seen here in a still from the new Lifetime movie 'Dying in Plain Sight'.
Raffa Virago (left) seen here in a still from the new Lifetime movie 'Dying in Plain Sight'.

Newcomer Raffa, who began her career in the short, 'Powdered Dandelions', has already made quite the name for herself playing Billie in the young adult TV series 'Macy Murdoch'. She also plays Gloria in the critically acclaimed 'Fellow Traveller'. 

Is 'Dying in Plain Sight' aka 'Starving' worth watching?

This film going to be a very uncomfortable watch that plumbs the darkest depths of human mental health. That does not mean one should avoid it, in fact we highly recommend watching the movie. Apart from touching on a trend that's all too prevalent and all too often supressed behid the family drapes, 'Dying in Plain Sight' also addresses the stigma that still surrounds eating disorders and the far-reaching societal and familial devastation they leave in their wake.

MEAWW Watch ranking

3 out of 5

'Dying in Plain Sight' aka 'Starving' Trailer



 

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