There are some actors who play the villain role so impeccably well that we can’t help but look at them sideways off screen. Que Steve Harris in Madea’s Diary of a Mad Black Woman, and insert Blair Underwood in Madea’s Family Reunion here. Another movie can now be added to that list, the Lifetime movie Death Saved My Life. Produced by Jarrett Creative and premiering on Lifetime for the highly anticipated ripped from the headlines slate. From the outside looking in the onscreen couple is the epitome of success.
A husband Ed who is a Doctor, and wife Jade who has a successful marketing career, and a happy daughter who both parents dote on. Chike Okonkwo’s character, Ed is toxic in every sense of the word. That perfect facade is broken as Ed begins putting his on-screen wife Jade played by Meagan Good, in numerous verbally and physically abusive scenarios. Jade realizes she has no other option but to end this vicious cycle of abuse and takes matters into her own hands by doing the unthinkable, faking her death.
A psychological thriller during Valentine’s weekend may seem a bit off kilter, but different is good right? Especially when your last name is Good. Meagan and La’Myia Good are sisters on and off screen. Leigh, Jade’s sister played by La’Myia Good, helps save her by doing everything within her power to support her. Despite Ed’s attempts of discrediting Leigh due to her bipolar disorder. The family history the sisters share off scene resonated through the film. Congratulations are due to Meagan Good continuing to set the bar higher and fulfilling her aspirations as executive producer on this film.
This Lifetime movie keeps you on your feet. Although the entertainment aspect is great what I found most important were the conversations this film will stir up. The stigma of mental illness in the black community, power dynamics in relationships, domestic violence, the pain and shame of a mental health crisis and sometimes not knowing your mental health needs. I had the pleasure of attending a press conference where Chike Okonkwo urged any young man dealing with anger issues to get help before it becomes physical. Meagan and La’Myia have established The Greater Good Foundation, teaching youth to become conscious of their thoughts and emotions. Through their philanthropic effort the duo team up to enhance the quality of life for young women. Death Saved My Life places viewers on a roller coaster of a relationship. You know the ones where you find yourself yelling at the tv screen. This is one of the Lifetime crime films that you won’t stop talking about once the end credits roll. Be sure to watch on Saturday, February 13th for Lifetime’s Death Saved My Life at 8pm.
Blogged by Deon Marie
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