Whether this film invented the Lifetime-movie template is debated; older melodramas and socially themed network erotic thrillers are offered as alternative ancestors.
Matty escaping the boathouse blast seems difficult; Teddy’s stated short delay partly explains it but leaves visibility and timing concerns.
The other woman’s killing, storage and decomposition are questioned, including why an autopsy would not expose an earlier death.
If Matty can kill the other woman herself, her need to involve Ned in murder is questioned; needing a lawyer is offered and challenged.
The identity-swap accomplice’s cooperation is questioned; bribery, false reassurance and shared history are possible explanations, but going to police remains a risk.
The number of Ned’s sexual partners is questioned given his several early encounters and apparently extensive local history.
How Ned passed the bar is questioned given his professional incompetence; Hurt’s apparent intelligence may mask that problem for viewers.
Hurt’s intelligence may obscure Ned’s stupidity, but the courtroom reprimand and strategic incompetence sharpen doubts about his qualification.
Matty’s earlier con victims are questioned, with the husband’s account of her prior partner suggesting another mark.

Turner interview; Lucas guarantee; budget; uncertain naked introductions; Kauai; Danson anecdote

In the discussion (6)

Approx. transcript time · 00:15:30Read transcript

A Playboy interview is cited in which Turner describes the physical responses and emotional intensity of filming intimate scenes despite technical awareness of the camera.
Lucas reportedly guaranteed the Ladd Company any budget overrun as support for Kasdan.
The stated budget is nine million dollars and gross 24 million.
An internet anecdote, explicitly uncertain, claims Hurt and Turner introduced themselves naked to each crew member before love-scene filming.
The tropical final scene reportedly used Tunnels Beach on Kauai.
A Danson DVD-extra anecdote is reported in which Hurt asked whether he trusted him and grabbed his genitals before filming.

Sweeney or Nyong’o as Matty; Teller as Ned

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 00:29:54Read transcript

A hypothetical 1987 version might have used Costner, but his exceptional handsomeness is considered wrong for Ned’s particular magnetic desperation.
Sydney Sweeney is proposed as Matty with strong support.
Lupita Nyong’o is an alternative Matty; an age objection is rebutted because the original characters seem older and established domestic life supports the con.
Miles Teller is proposed as Ned and receives agreement.

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:52:19Read transcript

Ebert’s four-star score is stated; the quoted review identifies Turner as the center of power and contrasts her agency with usual female roles.
A further Ebert observation praises the screenplay for making Ned smart enough to believe he initiates a plan actually planted by Matty.

Pie; chime payoff; quick death; investigation; school disclosure; arsonist contact; glasses; cooling

In the discussion (7)

Approx. transcript time · 01:15:40Read transcript

The supposedly cherry pie appears to be blueberry.
The wind chimes seem to promise a role in the murder but never pay off; an alternative balcony interruption and fall are proposed, and the husband dies too quickly.
The investigation of Matty seems inadequate given her bar visits, the niece’s observation, the marriage and incriminating will; another view notes police are already suspicious.
Revealing the true high-school location creates the yearbook trail that a careful mastermind should avoid.
Using Ned’s own arsonist contact is criticized as sloppy because it lets him identify her plan and avoid the trap.
Failing to dispose of the husband’s glasses is questioned; Ned’s stupidity and Matty’s deliberate retention of leverage are offered as explanations.
The absence of air conditioning or fans in 1981 Florida is criticized despite the heat-wave premise.

Christopher Reeve declined Ned

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:23:47Read transcript

Christopher Reeve reportedly declined Ned because he would not be convincing as a seedy lawyer; that judgment is endorsed.

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:49:35Read transcript

The Big Chill is a double-feature choice linking Hurt and Kasdan.
The Accidental Tourist is another double-feature choice because the collaborators reunite.
Crimes of Passion is a double-feature choice following Turner.

Stronger final act; exhausting first hour; Turner’s appeal disputed

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:51:09Read transcript

The first-time viewing feels divided between an exhausting, sweaty first hour and a more interesting final half-hour; limited attraction to Turner reduces enjoyment.
Turner’s character feels unfamiliar to a contemporary viewer, prompting the response that this is a stylized neo-noir rather than present-day daily life.
Lauren Hutton is preferred to Turner in a final comparison.