There are a number of good points about this movie- the premise is exciting, Julia Roberts gives a convincing performance as the battered, traumatized heroine, and the film is well-made, with attractive photography and a nice musical score. One thing that makes the story compelling is that it's something that happens in real life, tragically. And Patrick Bergin has some good scenes in a two-dimensional role, portraying the abusive husband as an obsessive-compulsive who is superficially charming. But the truly bad writing keeps it from achieving much. The story becomes both predictable and unbelievable. How was Laura so surprised at her husband's cruelty before marrying him? It's not like she was a mail-order bride. It's never explained how Roberts character was able to hoard that much money before escaping. Shortly after she escapes, she takes the time to cut her hair. Couldn't she have done that later? She goes to great trouble to cover her tracks, up to a point, than throws her wedding ring in the toilet and doesn't bother to check if it gets flushed. It's never explained how she was able to get false identification even though her husband watches her constantly. How on earth was she able to find a place to live so quickly? Most women in her situation live in shelters and low-end boarding houses. Even more amazing, when Bergin visits his wife's legally blind mother, the woman doesn't recognize her son-in-law's voice but recognizes hers instantly. Also, why do she and the nice-guy neighbor fall for each other so quickly? How could such foolish twists have gotten into the story? Because without them, the story wouldn't be able to reach its obvious conclusion. Also, parts are just plain silly. The scene where Roberts tries on a bunch of hats to the tune "Brown Eyed Girl" is obviously filler material. And you'll spot the ending at least 30 minutes before it ends. What a waste of a good idea. It says much for the source material and Julia Roberts that the film works to the degree that it does.
Review of Sleeping with the Enemy
