Lifetime Review: 'When Vows Break'

Ella Westcombe (Christa B. Allen) appears to have the ideal future as she prepares to marry the wealthy and handsome Tolan Ferrier (Jacob Young). But during her bachelorette party with her sister Lydia (Danielle C. Ryan), fortune teller Madame Diedre (Milena Phillips) predicts that Ella's life will come to an end because of Tolan—coinciding with the fact that behind his charm and good looks, Tolan is controlling and possessive of Ella.

Aware of Tolan's true nature, Lydia attempts to warn Ella into not marrying him, only for her sister to assure her that her wedding to Tolan is what she wants. But when Ella appears to have fallen overboard while out on her honeymoon with Tolan, Lydia is convinced Tolan had a hand in her sister's disappearance. But as Lydia fights to expose Tolan for what he really is, she uncovers a shocking secret that leaves her in a moral conflict that may cost her everything she loves.

Penned by frequent Lifetime writer Christine Conradt, When Vows Break has the familiar Lifetime theme of a woman marrying an outwardly perfect man, only to learn he's a violent and possessive man. But unlike most Lifetime films of this nature, When Vows Break opens with Ella fully aware of Tolan's dark side, but inexplicably deciding to still marry him despite her sister's pleas. This adds an interesting twist on the usual "Husband From Hell" storyline and adds to When Vows Break's authentic portrayal of an abusive relationship. Christa B. Allen's performance makes it clear that she's incredibly afraid of Tolan, but is even more afraid of what he might do if she tries to leave him—a fear shown to be very much justified as the film progresses.

With the way it's formatted, it's near impossible to discuss When Vows Break without revealing a major plot development: Ella isn't murdered by Tolan, as she actually faked her death as a means of escaping Tolan's stranglehold (though this isn't much of a spoiler due to this development being mentioned in the movie's description on Lifetime's website). The movie allows for this twist to be built up to, creating suspense as to what secrets Lydia's investigating will uncover and how far Tolan is willing to go to keep his reputation clean. It also allows for a fascinating moral dilemma to be brought to the light after Lydia learns Ella is outright trying to frame Tolan for her "murder," making viewers wonder if Ella is right to do this because of Tolan's abuse or if she's crossing a line and dragging her loved ones into her mess. It's a dynamic that drives the third act of this already compelling drama, making for a unique and interesting view.

Danielle C. Ryan makes for a likable and sympathetic protagonist, even as Ella's scheme puts Lydia in a morally conflicting situation. Milena Phillips gives Madame Diedre some nuance in the beginning, allowing you to wonder (however briefly) whether she's friend or foe, and Sam Boxleitner (son of Lifetime regular Bruce Boxleitner) playing Lydia's husband Harrison as not only likable, but proactive once he's aware of the situation his wife has been dragged into.

Jacob Young, previously starring in the mediocre Killer Vacation, fares far better with When Vows Break. With Tolan's malevolent nature being known from the start, Young is able to paint Tolan as a cold, menacing, and chillingly true-to-life villain. As the film progresses, Young portrays Tolan as a chillingly realistic domestic abuser, accomplishing as a villain here what he was unable to capture in Killer Vacation. Maxine Bahns and Jaleel White also make appearances as the main detectives of the story, with both averting the "Dumb Cop" trope to serve as genuinely forward-thinking and competent officers trying to uncover what truly happened to Ella and who Tolan really is.

When Vows Break's deliberately slow pacing in parts and generic-sounding plot may turn some away, but once the twists start to unfold and the action gets built up, the film becomes a tense drama with good acting, a compelling story, and a solid climax that keeps viewers on their toes. It may not be a winner for everyone, but I would still recommend you give it a try.

Score: 7 out of 10 protection amulets.