The Girl Who Got Away takes a familiar premise and puts a neat spin on it. Taking some of the DNA of stalker and mystery films, it is about a serial killer named Elizabeth Caulfield (Kaye Tuckerman) who has escaped from prison. Meanwhile, a woman named Christina Bowden (Lexi Johnson) seems to be living a fulfilling life. She is a teacher and about to become an adoptive parent. Their past connection will change both their lives.
The set up makes things seem simple enough. A murderer has escaped from jail and is out to seek vengeance by killing the person who escaped. The Girl Who Got Away adds more layers to the movie, however. The story focuses on the mystery that surrounds the two women. The Girl Who Got Away examines the cycle of violence. As the bodies begin piling up, it seems obvious that Elizabeth is up to her old tricks again. But another question comes up. What is Christina’s part in all of this? The people who are dying are close to her. There are even some that Elizabeth should have no knowledge of. Has Christina’s brutal past left a greater effect on her than she has let on?
There is also an exploration of Elizabeth’s motives. This can always be tricky as there is the risk of trying to justify what a serial killer has done. The Girl Who Got Away decides to get around this by using the police investigation to uncover parts of her past. What is uncovered adds a new dimension to the story. The big downside is that the film is unable to resolve everything it has brought up.
The Girl Who Got Away takes its time building its characters and world for the first two acts. Things are rushed in the final part, however. It is disappointing since there are some really captivating ideas that are brought up in the earlier parts. This leads to a movie that has great atmosphere, but ends up being unfulfilling. This does not make it unwatchable, but it is definitely lacking.
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