Sofia Masson in ‘Fatal Exposure.’ Photo Courtesy of Tubi.
Actors Sofia Masson, Jasmine Vega, and Stephen Huszar star in the new thriller “Fatal Exposure,” which recently premiered on Tubi.
Sam Coyle expertly directed the film from a screenplay by Mary Risk. The synopsis is: Ariel (Sofia Masson), an ambitious photographer, joins her handsome older boyfriend Derek at his picturesque home.
Ariel subsequently meets Derek’s intoxicating adult daughter, Chloe (Jasmine Vega), but as sabotage and stalking ensues in a power struggle, Ariel’s dream turns into a nightmare.
Aside from our three leads, veteran actress Mar Carrera plays Derek’s housekeeper Gabriella, Cesar Rodriguez plays his security guard Victor, and Johann Vera plays his chef Julio.
Sofia Masson delivers perhaps the most triumphant performance of her career thus far, in a role that is bold, sexy, brave, and simply unafraid to be vulnerable. With Masson as Ariel, it feels like watching a young Jennifer Connelly meets Maggie Gyllenhaal.
The photographs that Ariel takes and captures feel like their own character in this stirring movie, and the same holds true for the mansion in which it was filmed. The multiple plot twists and turns will certainly keep the viewers engaged.
Jasmine Vega is convincing as Derek’s vengeful daughter Chloe, who may be “trouble,” but at the same time, she also does have a heart. With Vega, the viewer can slightly recall global pop star Olivia Rodrigo, and that ought to be taken as a compliment.
Stephen Huszar is charming, suave and thoughtful as Derek, but at the same time mysterious, and a substantial indication that his good looks can be deceiving (and that he may be hiding something, and keeping things from our heroine).
“Fatal Exposure” fulfills the ensemble cardinal rule for a drama, where each actor in the cast is given his or her own unique characterization, and it is neat to watch the characters develop and evolve (courtesy of screenwriter Mary Risk).
Masson and Huszar have great chemistry together, and their conflicting and ambivalent rapport allows for more resonance.
The same holds true for Masson’s onscreen relationship with Vega, which involves encounters with drugs, and fighting for the attention and affection of the same man (Derek). Their relationship has elements of the two female leads in the Oscar-winning film “Black Swan” meets “Gossip Girl.”
Cesar Rodriguez is a revelation as Victor, Derek’s head of security at the house, especially towards the end.
Janira Reyes who portrays Ariel’s friend, Faye, is her voice of reason.
Without giving too much away, this is a pulse-pounding film that needs to be experienced by all (over the age of 18).
The Verdict
Overall, “Fatal Exposure” is a high-adrenaline and captivating new thriller on Tubi. It certainly pushes the envelope, and it will certainly spark conversations among viewers, and it will stick with them long after the ending credits roll.
Masson is able to humanize her complex character, while she, Jasmine Vega and Stephen Huszar all take the audience on a wild, seductive, and bumpy ride in “Fatal Exposure.”
It touches upon such subject matters as living with loss, sexuality, lust, exploitation, chosen family, and artistic creativity.
Sam Coyle should be commended for her vision and direction in bringing this unflinching story to life.
The editing is well done, and the cinematography is visually striking. “Fatal Exposure” is worth checking out, and it garners 4.5 out of 5 stars. Well done.