'Psycho Sister-in-Law': Lifetime's thriller follows a sinister psychopath who will keep you engaged all along
Lifetime has presented us with some of the most nerve-wracking personalities through its thriller collections. However, the network has added an edge to its latest release ‘Psycho Sister-in-Law’ by navigating the life of a psychopath, who is eccentric in her own ways. If you are up for a ride through the mind of a master manipulator, read the review for ‘Psycho Sister-in-Law’ to learn more about the movie.
Nick Downes (Brando Eaton) is a well-established entrepreneur who hails from a well-to-do family. He is happily married to Haley (Andrea Bowen), with who he’s expecting his first child. But, before their family could expand with the addition of a new member, Nick’s father dies an unexpected death. However, his last will ensures he’s left something behind for everybody in his life, including his fiancee Kelly and daughter Zara (Lydia Hearst), who happens to be Nicks half-sister.
Zara, who has been an estranged sister to Nick for the majority of his life, suddenly makes an appearance at their father’s funeral service and eventually finds a place in her half-brother’s house by portraying herself as an aspiring actress who has nowhere else to go. The movie establishes quite early in its course that Zara’s purely driven by her selfish interests to inherit all of her father’s property by finishing Nick and everybody else that comes in her way of pursuing what she wants.
The story arc is predictable and nothing out of the box. However, what you can’t predict the severity of Zara’s insanity as you get engrossed in her twisted ways. She masters manipulation and each time she spews a lie in order to get closer to a naive and pregnant Haley, you can’t help but despise from all your heart. But, that’s the beauty of it, isn’t it?
‘Psycho Sister-in-Law’ would have been brushed off as yet another predictable thriller built around a psychopathic character, if not for Lydia Heart’s role, which pushes you till the end only to witness her ultimate fate. More than the plotline itself, which by the way comes with a twist in the climax, it’s Zara’s overly imposing and annoying behavior that grips your mind.
Zara obviously takes the center stage in the movie, while Andrea Bowen makes for a perfect fit as Haley. It almost feels like Zara and Haley have balanced the movie with their opposite traits, which makes you wait with bated breath until the end to see who wins ultimately. However, ‘Psycho Sister-in-Law’ barely shows any violence or gore to highlight the role of a deranged half-sister, who is presented as a "dangerous psychopath".
‘Psycho Sister-in-Law’ premieres on August 16 at 8 pm ET on Lifetime.
