Steven King’s books and films are rife with zombie babies, witches, vampires and werewolves. This lengthy list of creatures now includes your average next door neighbor, the serial killer.
In STEPHEN KING’S A GOOD MARRIAGE, Darcy (Joan Allen) and Bob (Anthony LaPaglia) Anderson, a happily married couple, are enjoying a 25th anniversary party hosted by their two children. Their daughter is getting married in a few weeks. The Andersons are empty nesters with a lovely home, Bob has a successful job as an accountant and is a coin collector – theirs seems to be picture perfect marriage, except for one thing… Bob is a serial killer. He’s brutally murdered 12 women and goes by his alter-ego, “Beadie”. He’s also been taunting Maine’s Attorney General with notes signed from him since his first killing in 1980.
Afterwards, the couple returns home for a personal celebration and Darcy talks of buying Bob an elusive 1955 penny as an anniversary present. Earlier in the evening he gave her fish earrings as a gift because she’s a Pisces. The next rainy evening while her husband is away on one of his many business trips, Darcy looks for batteries for the tv’s remote control in the garage. She also discovers the ID’s of the murdered women underneath the workbench hidden behind a carved out board. Bob has concealed the evidence in a craft box keepsake that his daughter made for him years ago. Everything begins to add up. It’s here that the Darcy asks, “How could I be living with this monster all these years and not know?” But more importantly, what happens if he finds out?
Written by Stephen King, the film is adapted from his short story “A Good Marriage” from the collection “Full Dark, No Stars”. King says the inspiration came after reading an article about Dennis Rader, the infamous BTK (bind, torture, and kill) murderer. King also stated that he wanted to “explore the idea that it’s impossible to fully know anyone, even those we love the most.”
Joan Allen is amazing in the film and to see her back on the screen is a welcomed sight. The heavy, emotional depth which her character travels is understated, yet powerful. The Oscar nominated actress delivers another superb performance as her character transforms from victim to survivor. Anthony LaPaglia gives a whole new meaning to serial killer. His every guy persona is alluring and deadly. LaPaglia’s is eerily convincing as Bob the husband, the father and the insane murderer.
Cinematographer Frank G. DeMarco’s mix of over the head/from down below camera angles turn up the chills, as well as the gravity of Darcy’s situation. The pacing all adds to the anxiety as it slowly builds throughout director Peter Askin’s mesmerizing film.
Steven King is literally like a fine wine. His stories keep getting better with age. While watching the movie, you can literally hear the author telling the story around a campfire while hanging on his every word. Whether you’re watching at home – grab your blanket or if you’re at the cinema, cuddle up with someone. STEPHEN KING’S A GOOD MARRIAGE is a suspenseful, edge-of-your seat thriller and will keep you guessing until the final frame.
3 1/2 stars
STEPHEN KING’S A GOOD MARRIAGE is in theaters and VOD on October 3rd
