Lifetime Review: 'He's Watching'

Angela (Linsey Godfrey) has a lot going for her right now. A successful job at a wealthy management company and a handsome boyfriend in Michael (Darri Ingolfsson), the only thing Angela can't get past is how often Michael is away on business. Lonely and neglected, Angela finds herself taken aback by her latest client: Kyle Miller (Tilky Jones), a successful photographer and her college boyfriend who she hadn't seen since she rejected his marriage proposal after graduation.

While their initial interactions are awkward, Angela becomes comfortable with having Kyle back in her life once it seems Kyle is content to just having a business relationship with her. But one night, after attending a gallery of Kyle's, Angela's loneliness regarding Michael gets the better of her--leading to a passionate tryst between her and Kyle. Soon afterwards, a guilt-stricken Angela tells Kyle that what happened between them was wrong and ends things, just in time for Michael to recommit himself to their relationship and propose to her. But just when it seems things are getting back to normal, Kyle makes it clear to Angela that he's not satisfied a professional relationship--and will stop at nothing to reclaim their past romance.

In the world of Lifetime, there are two popular story arches: a woman being stalked by her deranged ex, and a woman being stalked by her deranged extra-martial lover. He's Watching (originally titled A Focus to Kill) combines these plots together, with Angela's shared past with Kyle further complicating her eventual infidelity with him. This emotionally driven plot is greatly aided by the performances of the film's three main stars, with Linsey Godfrey in particular conveying Angela's feelings throughout with painstaking accuracy. From her desire to reconnect with Kyle and eventual rekindling affections for him, to her palpable regret over betraying Michael, and ultimately her horror at seeing Kyle's true nature and her determination to rid his disturbed presence from her life, Godfrey plays Angela as a fiercely strong and independent woman who makes for an easy character to root for.

Godfrey's male co-stars don't slouch either, with Tilky Jones' portrayal of Kyle Miller making him the absolute "Ex From Hell". Giving an effortless blend of luring charisma and terrifying malice, Jones plays Kyle as a realistic and cunning psychopath, while also giving us a few moments of depth that show Kyle isn't just a delusional baddie (one particularly versatile moment has Kyle in tears following one of his crazier meltdowns). Meanwhile, Darri Ingolfsson gives an instantly lovable performance as Michael, having excellent chemistry with Godfrey that is essential in making you want their relationship to survive Kyle's machinations. In a surprising subversion of other Lifetime husbands, however, Michael is also shown having a bit of a rapport with Kyle, exhibiting no possessiveness over Angela working with her former boyfriend and even defending him whilst unaware of his true nature to Angela at one point. With all this in mind, you can see why Angela is so regretful over her infidelity and be invested as their relationship is threatened by Kyle.

Plotwise, He's Watching plays into the usual beats of a Psycho Ex flick, but the pacing and the way everything is constructed makes up for it. The slow build-up allows for the viewer to grow invested in Angela, Michael, and Kyle, making the drama and mayhem that follows all the more effective in entertaining the viewer and as mentioned before, allows for the cast to develop into authentic characters. In a perfect example of taking a well-worn plot thread and turning it into something unique and entertaining, He's Watching is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a good Lifetime drama flick.

Score: 9 out of 10 fencing masks.