Screen Gems loves their cheapo thrillers and the studio has an affinity for narratives like psycho girlfriend, psycho roommate, psycho hot dog vendor, etc. Some call it remaking horror movies into “soft thrillers.” And the studio also does well in serving the African American audience, often within these milieus. In fact, you could argue they are taking the sexy psychological thriller concept — films like “Basic Instinct” and “Fatal Attraction” — to a whole new level of relationship horror (see Idris Elba vehicle, “No Good Deed” which is about a psycho stalker). Their latest film, “The Perfect Guy” is an urban relationship thriller starring Sanaa Lathan, Michael Ealy and Morris Chestnut (psycho new boyfriend).
The movie centers on a woman who exits a long-term relationship. Vulnerable and on the rebound, she meets what she thinks is “the perfect guy,” but soon, the bloom comes off the rose and things go south fast. Here’s the long form synopsis:
Leah Vaughn appears to have the ideal life. She enjoys a challenging, fast-paced career as a lobbyist; Dave, her longterm boyfriend loves her. And yet … at 36, she’s ready to move to the next phase. Marriage and a family seem a logical and welcome step. Dave is not so sure. A bit commitment phobic, his misgivings lead to a painful break up. Enter Carter Duncan, a handsome, charming stranger whose path keeps crossing with Leah’s. Caring and solicitous of Leah and her family and friends, their relationship rapidly progresses.
It seems Leah has met The Perfect Guy. But if it seems too good to be true … soon his protective nature morphs into something more sinister. It’s clear Leah has to end this new relationship and when she does, her onetime lover becomes her ultimate enemy. It will take every bit of her cunning and resolve to escape and outwit him."
Co-starring Charles S. Dutton, Rutina Wesley, Kathryn Morris, Holt McCallany and directed by David M. Rosenthal (“A Single Shot,” “Janie Jones”), “The Perfect Guy” hits theaters September 11. Watch the first trailer below via USA Today.