Arguably, a single actor or personality can turnaround or elevate a less-than-spectacular movie. It’s the reason most movie studios want to know who’s attached to a particular project. C.J. and Lorrisa Julianus’ The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater is a classic example of that on an indie level.
Ava Moriarity (Lorrisa Julianus) is a highly-skilled, coveted, and misunderstood dominatrix. Once a Ph.D. art student—who got herself into trouble with a mob boss—she has only thirty days to repay an insurmountable debt. Her only hope is compromising her integrity as she is hired by the town’s nefarious mayor to seduce a small-town Episcopal priest, Father Markovic (Mickey O’Sullivan).
“…got herself into trouble with a mob boss—she has only thirty days to repay an insurmountable debt.”
With no other options, Ava teams up with her gay best friend, Gabe (Shannon Brown), and schemes away. Like any good thriller, everyone has secrets. How did Ava get in so deep with a mob boss? Why does Father Markovic have a priceless painting stowed away at the church? Why does he sneak off at night and secretly compete as an MMA fighter? Why are these two just so good looking compared to the rest of the town?
Right from the film’s opening moments, there was this feeling I was in for the long haul. It starts with dominatrix Ava in the middle of a session. Her client has a ball gag in his mouth, and she won’t stop the session until he says his “safeword.” Of course, his mouth is muffled, and yet she understands every word he says. I point this out because, as a comedy, every joke goes for the typical punchlines throughout the film and refuses to search further for something clever or new—one bland joke after the other. Hang in there… it is ultimately a good movie.
"…hang in there for a fun and exciting ride."
Sounds fun. I’ll have to check this out!