Movie Review: Purity Falls (2019) – A Dark, Gripping Suburban Thriller
Purity Falls is a suspenseful drama that dives into the unsettling secrets of a seemingly perfect suburban neighborhood. Directed by Sam Irvin and starring Kristanna Loken, Olivia d'Abo, and Trevor Stines, the film was released in 2019 as a Lifetime original thriller that quickly gained attention for its twisted premise and bold storytelling.
🌟 Plot Summary:
After the tragic death of his wife, a grieving father moves to Purity Falls with his teenage children, hoping for a fresh start. But what seems like a peaceful community quickly reveals its dark underbelly. The seemingly respectable neighbor, Nicole, runs an underground escort service using young men — including the protagonist's son. As the father uncovers the truth, he's forced into a dangerous confrontation that tests the limits of morality, family loyalty, and survival.
🎭 Performances & Direction:
The performances in Purity Falls are surprisingly strong for a TV thriller. Kristanna Loken delivers a chilling and manipulative portrayal of Nicole, while Trevor Stines adds emotional depth as a conflicted teen caught in moral ambiguity. Director Sam Irvin masterfully builds tension and unease, making the audience feel the threat lurking beneath the suburban calm.
📽️ Cinematography & Themes:
The film explores themes of exploitation, grief, parental control, and moral corruption. It uses clean-cut visuals and well-lit suburban backdrops to contrast the darkness of the events taking place, enhancing the thriller’s impact.
👍 Verdict:
While Purity Falls may follow some familiar tropes of the Lifetime thriller formula, it delivers enough tension, strong acting, and moral dilemmas to keep viewers hooked until the end. A must-watch for fans of dark domestic thrillers.
⭐ Final Rating: 7/10