Source: Filmthreat.com.

USA – Arguably, a single actor or personality can turnaround or elevate a less-than-spectacular movie. It’s the reason most movie studios want to know who’s attached to a particular project. C.J. and Lorrisa Julianus’ The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater is a classic example of that on an indie level.

Ava Moriarity (Lorrisa Julianus) is a highly-skilled, coveted, and misunderstood dominatrix. Once a Ph.D. art student—who got herself into trouble with a mob boss—she has only thirty days to repay an insurmountable debt. Her only hope is compromising her integrity as she is hired by the town’s nefarious mayor to seduce a small-town Episcopal priest, Father Markovic (Mickey O’Sullivan).

Arguably, a single actor or personality can turnaround or elevate a less-than-spectacular movie. It’s the reason most movie studios want to know who’s attached to a particular project. C.J. and Lorrisa Julianus’ The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater is a classic example of that on an indie level.

Ava Moriarity (Lorrisa Julianus) is a highly-skilled, coveted, and misunderstood dominatrix. Once a Ph.D. art student—who got herself into trouble with a mob boss—she has only thirty days to repay an insurmountable debt. Her only hope is compromising her integrity as she is hired by the town’s nefarious mayor to seduce a small-town Episcopal priest, Father Markovic (Mickey O’Sullivan).

“…got herself into trouble with a mob boss—she has only thirty days to repay an insurmountable debt.”

With no other options, Ava teams up with her gay best friend, Gabe (Shannon Brown), and schemes away. Like any good thriller, everyone has secrets. How did Ava get in so deep with a mob boss? Why does Father Markovic have a priceless painting stowed away at the church? Why does he sneak off at night and secretly compete as an MMA fighter? Why are these two just so good looking compared to the rest of the town?

Right from the film’s opening moments, there was this feeling I was in for the long haul. It starts with dominatrix Ava in the middle of a session. Her client has a ball gag in his mouth, and she won’t stop the session until he says his “safeword.” Of course, his mouth is muffled, and yet she understands every word he says. I point this out because, as a comedy, every joke goes for the typical punchlines throughout the film and refuses to search further for something clever or new—one bland joke after the other. Hang in there… it is ultimately a good movie.

Then The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater hits all the standard tropes of a strong woman caught in a world beneath her. Total strangers objectify her as a “sex worker.” She’s a smart dominatrix as she insists that clients read and sign contracts as to what she will and will not do. She could also give a f**k about what the townsfolk think of her and her profession. As an art student, she was destined for greatness but never taken seriously as a woman. And then there’s the mobster.

The story then goes down a very familiar path as Ava begins to uncover Father Markovic’s backstory. He’s not exactly who she thinks he is. Of course, as the two are the best-looking people in town…one thing leads to another, ending in betrayal. But enough of the plot spoilers. My point is it’s all fairly formulaic from start to finish. Still, it’s a good movie.

That said, Lorrisa Julianus is the standout star and manages to elevate the mediocre script, story, and all the actors surrounding her and turn The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater into an entertaining film that’s fun to watch. Yes, Lorrisa Julianus looks sexy-as-hell as Ava, and it’s not lost on me that she and her husband, C.J., may have made the movie to showcase her talents. Hell, it’s good, so showcase away.

As Ava, Lorrisa creates a fully developed character with depth. She knows precisely how to portray Ava like a movie star. She is what you’d expect from a strong lead in an action-thriller, who happens to be a woman. Ava is smart, intelligent, and has flaws…like thinking she’s the smartest person in the room. She’s independent and refuses to allow anyone to control her future, even a mob loan shark. Before you know it, she shows she can be vulnerable. Julianus runs the gamut of emotion, builds a believable character arc, and proves she can be a star in almost any other genre.

Before I gush too much over the film’s star, the story is still not-that-great. It’s not that The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater is horrible, I’ve just seen it before, and I’ve heard these jokes over and over again. Still, hang in there for a fun and exciting ride.

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