Lifetime 'Girl in Room 13' Review: Anne Heche's final movie sees her play the world's greatest mom
Anne Heche's last movie 'Girl in Room 13' releases exactly a month after her tragic death, and while it's not the greatest of flicks, her portrayal of an earnest mother pulling out all stops in search of her abducted daughter makes it worth tuning into. The movie also marked the 53-year-old's return to the network after starring in 'Gracie’s Choice' alongside Kristen Bell, 'Fatal Desire' with Eric Roberts, and 'Girl Fight' with James Tupper. 'Girl in Room 13' is loosely inspired by actual events with a focus on human trafficking.
Heche plays Janie Atkinson, the mother of Grace (Larissa Dias) who was addicted to opioids after her doctor prescribes them for her treatment following a sports injury. Things turn murky when her past catches up with her and her friend forces her into meeting her former love interest, Richie (Max Montesi) who intends to drug her and sell her to a trafficking ring. What ensues is a frantic mother desperately searching for her daughter as she forays into a twisted human trafficking labyrinth.
RELATED ARTICLES
Much of the spotlight is on Heche's Janie and Dias' Grace. The former brings in her experience to the fore and is convincing as the mother who stops at nothing to rescue her daughter. While the rest of the cast plays their parts, Heche pretty much shoulders a major chunk of the film and occupies the screen displaying her acting chops to compensate for a plot that despite potential falls short.
The movie is pretty dark by Lifetime's standards, but maybe another shade of grey would have lent more depth to the film. Take nothing away from Heche though as he proves that she was one of the more versatile actors in Hollywood. Her final performance as Janie will be remembered by those who have closely followed the decorated actress's work.
'Girl in Room 13' airs Saturday, September 17 at 8/7c on Lifetime.
