Presumed Dead In Paradise

Presumed Dead in Paradise is a gripping tale of suspense and mystery. Released in 2014 and telecasted on Lifetime, this Television film captures the viewer's attention right from the beginning and holds it until the end credits roll with its intense, suspenseful plot and believable performances.

The story revolves around Madison Sinclair, a seventeen years old teenager played by Malese Jow. Madison is a strong-willed and rebellious individual feeling suppressed in the confines of her boarding school walls. Sensing Madison's troubled state, her estranged mother Patricia (Olivia d'Abo), extends an invitation to her for a trip to a tropical paradise to celebrate Madison's birthday. Madison readily leaps at the opportunity, hoping for some much-needed respite and a chance to revitalize her strained relationship with Patricia.

As Madison steps onto the picturesque Caribbean island, she's welcomed with warmth and introduced to Patricia's new husband, Jeremy Marber, portrayed by Gavin Houston, who's quite charming yet mystifying. Madison also encounters Blake, an enigmatic local. It is around this time that the whole atmosphere of the movie shifts from being purely idyllic to suspenseful. The trouble begins during a wild jet ski ride with Blake, where Madison mysteriously vanishes in the open sea.

Presumed Dead in Paradise perfectly embodies the trope of "all that glitters is not gold". The island, with its sprawling beaches, turquoise waters, and stunning landscapes, is also a place filled with dark secrets, deceptions, and danger lurking in the shadows. The beauty of the island serves as the perfect, misleading façade to the unfolding mystery.

As the island's tranquility gets disrupted by Madison's disappearance, both the viewers and characters alike are thrown into a whirlpool of puzzles and questions. Was it an accident? Did Madison orchestrate her own disappearance? Or was it a premeditated abduction? The characters grapple with these puzzling questions, and every answer leads to a darker, more twisted path.

Meanwhile, Madison's desperate boyfriend, Josh (Caleb Ruminer), unwilling to accept that his girlfriend is dead, launches his own investigation. He's determined to find the truth behind Madison's so-called "accident." The storyline deepens as he starts peeling back layers of lies and deception. He is stumbled upon by one clue after another, forcing him closer to the heart of the matter.

The story keeps you guessing throughout, with many unexpected twists and turns. The characters are well-developed, with their own shades of grey. Malese Jow delivers a commendable performance, perfectly demonstrating Madison's rebellious yet vulnerable personality. She superbly carries the role of a teenager who's fighting against her surroundings and grappling with her life's complexities. Olivia d'Abo aptly essays the role of a mother whose past shadows her present, and Gavin Houston does justice to his charming yet secretive role.

Director Mary Lambert does a brilliant job at mixing the elements of thriller and mystery with a hint of teen drama. The cinematography of the movie, especially the scenic beauty of the island, is captivating and serves as a stark contrast to the sinister happenings on the island. The tight screenplay and engaging plot make it an edge-of-the-seat experience.

Overall, Presumed Dead In Paradise is not merely about a missing girl; it’s about trust, deception, love, and the lengths to which one will go to uncover the truth. It is a beautifully crafted thriller movie that grips you right from the start and does not let go till the very end. Despite its title, the movie is very much alive with suspense, mystery, and intrigue. It’s definitely a must-watch if you are a fan of suspense and mystery genres. This captivating lifetime movie will leave you with bated breaths and racing hearts at each scene, pulling you deeper into its complex story.