Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsFATAL ATTRACTION 2.0
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2015
MISSIONARY is like FATAL ATTRACTION on steroids. The setting and background for this movie - Mormon proselytizers - is merely a vehicle for the warped psychopathology of one of them who dreams of a "united celestial family". Mitch Ryan (who plays the role of Elder Brock) is certainly highly credible as a youthful Mormon under the tutelage of fellow Mormon, Elder Whitehall. After what appeared to be a completely unsuccessful attempt to make any inroads with a woman named Katherine (separated at the time from her husband Ian, played by Kip Pardue), the situation suddenly reverses when Katherine's son Kesley gets some unexpected football help from Brock. A fall in the mud, a borrowed change of clothing, and a glance at a semi-nude young man, creates a domino effect that attracts Katherine's attention and stimulates her need and desires. One thing leads to another and, before you can say Utah, the two are entwined in a torrid affair. In the meantime, Katherine's husband wants to get back together which leads to a deadly and conflicted triangle. The rapidity with which Katherine and Brock's relationship evolved was then blunted and collapsed even more quickly. But Brock wasn't taking "NO" for an answer. Katherine then discovers the true nature and past of her would be lover/stalker. What follows is a rollercoaster ride of physical, emotional, and psychological conflict involving all major protagonists (with Kesley caught in the whirlpool). How it all comes to an explosive conclusion, I leave to the viewer. But make no mistake about it. There is plenty of gore and lethal action, not to mention a goodly number of F-bombs.
A pet rabbit in a pot of boiling water a la "Fatal Attraction" is nothing compared to what happens in "Missionary". As a final aside, this movie takes place in Florida where "stand your ground" and personal ownership of guns is the prevailing mentality - a fitting backdrop to the violence seen in MISSIONARY. Where are the "Jehova's Witnesses" when you need them?
