Lila & Eve has the typical makings of a Lifetime Films production: sudden, out of context tragedy, crappy justice systems, female vigilantism, and unlikely friendships forged by way of grief. Starring Viola Davis as Lila, a mother who has lost her son in a seemingly accidental drive-by shooting, Lila & Eve is a film that can’t quite grasp a perspective and stick to it. Directed by Charles Stone III, most notably known for Drumline, his latest summer release falls short of being a thriller, yet has plenty of mind-numbing, shoot-’em-up action.

Following her son’s tragic death, Lila joins a support group for mothers of murder victims, where she meets Eve (Jennifer Lopez). From the start, Eve resists grief support and admits feeling helpless in her loss. She and Lila hit it off, and when local detectives fail to show progress or genuine care for Lila’s son’s case, Eve convinces Lila to seek justice through her own investigation into the murder.

Before long, the two mothers wield guns and hang out on seedy street corners, seeking clues that will bring them closer to the son’s murderer. Eve seems all too calm when triggers start to be pulled, and rest assured, they do get pulled. A lot. Amidst all this, Lila and Eve find time to donate money belonging to the drug dealer they killed to their support group and redecorate Lila’s house.

As the film progresses, a major plot twist (the film winks, nods, and outright shouts this with blatant foreshadowing) joins the mix and throws the tone of the entire film off course. Hyper-grisly imagery alongside a ludicrous narrative, with a twist and a completely far-fetched resolution thrown in for good measure, makes for a film that isn’t a serious drama or archetypal thriller. When the plot gets campy, the tone remains all too serious. When Lila finally seems relatable, vulnerable and incomprehensibly plagued by remorse in an almost touching way, the wacky traps and explosions commence.

Viola Davis’ performance as a grief-stricken mother seeking vengeance is really the only tent pole that holds up the deflating, droopy plot. However, her talents aren’t used to their full potential here, as the film only reaches as far as one dimensional characters.

CONCLUSION: Lila & Eve is an attempted female vigilante film with strong leading actresses, but has identity issues. It falls short of being a thriller or serious drama.

C-

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