The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater

Then The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater hits all the standard tropes of a strong woman caught in a world beneath her. Total strangers objectify her as a “sex worker.” She’s a smart dominatrix as she insists that clients read and sign contracts as to what she will and will not do. She could also give a f**k about what the townsfolk think of her and her profession. As an art student, she was destined for greatness but never taken seriously as a woman. And then there’s the mobster.

The story then goes down a very familiar path as Ava begins to uncover Father Markovic’s backstory. He’s not exactly who she thinks he is. Of course, as the two are the best-looking people in town…one thing leads to another, ending in betrayal. But enough of the plot spoilers. My point is it’s all fairly formulaic from start to finish. Still, it’s a good movie.

“…Lorrisa Julianus is the standout star and manages to elevate the mediocre script…”

That said, Lorrisa Julianus is the standout star and manages to elevate the mediocre script, story, and all the actors surrounding her and turn The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater into an entertaining film that’s fun to watch. Yes, Lorrisa Julianus looks sexy-as-hell as Ava, and it’s not lost on me that she and her husband, C.J., may have made the movie to showcase her talents. Hell, it’s good, so showcase away.

As Ava, Lorrisa creates a fully developed character with depth. She knows precisely how to portray Ava like a movie star. She is what you’d expect from a strong lead in an action-thriller, who happens to be a woman. Ava is smart, intelligent, and has flaws…like thinking she’s the smartest person in the room. She’s independent and refuses to allow anyone to control her future, even a mob loan shark. Before you know it, she shows she can be vulnerable. Julianus runs the gamut of emotion, builds a believable character arc, and proves she can be a star in almost any other genre.

Before I gush too much over the film’s star, the story is still not-that-great. It’s not that The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater is horrible, I’ve just seen it before, and I’ve heard these jokes over and over again. Still, hang in there for a fun and exciting ride.