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Miss Meadows (2014)

2014 • 1h 28m • Drama • Not Rated
On September 25, 2026
#2815▼ 1675
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All reviews

Filipe Manuel Neto on Miss Meadows

3/10 · Aug 21, 2022

The movie doesn't quite achieve what it set out to do, even though the main character is endearing. I have complicated feelings about this film. I appreciate the final product and was drawn to the central character and the script’s initial idea. However, I can’t ignore how poorly it functions as a black comedy; there's nothing genuinely humorous—and I enjoy that type of humor—and it would likely have been more engaging if conceived as a drama incorporating elements of romance and mystery. The story begins with a promising concept: a charming young woman with traditional tastes who appears innocent and trustworthy, but secretly dedicates herself to eliminating wrongdoers. The idea had potential, but the film seems to veer in another direction. Miss Meadows is lovely, but she doesn’t come across as someone actively fighting crime. She simply encounters those involved in wrongdoing; that isn't what a vigilante does. Naturally, she finds herself wanted by law enforcement, since her boyfriend is the local sheriff, but she never emerges as an avenger or someone determined to deliver justice. She reacts rather than acting proactively. Beyond this fundamental issue, other aspects also fall short. The dialogue between the couple, despite being in a relationship, remains overly formal; they consistently address each other as “Miss” and “Sheriff,” using a level of formality that mirrors how the mother and daughter communicate over the phone. Moreover, the film lacks tension and dramatic impact. Crimes and deaths occur, but there's no real sense of suspense at any point. Ultimately, this is where the most peculiar aspects of the movie reside: in the casualness and lightness with which events unfold, and in the sheriff’s seeming indifference to his bride’s behavior, which warrants a thorough psychological evaluation. Katie Holmes carries the film. While she isn't an actress I typically favor, I must concede that her performance is quite good. She brings considerable charm and charisma to the character and delivers lines with understated humor reminiscent of British sensibilities. James Badge Dale provides solid support, despite his character being poorly developed in the writing. Even with the actor’s efforts, the sheriff feels too naive to be believable. Jean Smart, Ava Kolker, Callan Mulvey, and Graham Beckel do what they can within the confines of their roles, but the film doesn't truly belong to them. Technically, the filmmakers place considerable emphasis on style and creating an atmosphere that blends old-fashioned suburbia with surreal dystopia. Not everything succeeds, but it’s not a complete failure either. The choices made in selecting locations and designing sets are quite effective, as is the meticulous creation of Miss Meadows' wardrobe. The cinematography generally works well, employing bright colors and a certain lightness that is only disrupted during flashback sequences, which use muted tones and create a more tense atmosphere. I would have preferred darker, denser photography for scenes where the central character’s obsessive, disturbed, and manic tendencies are highlighted. The soundtrack also serves its purpose adequately without offering any surprises.

Source on TMDB