In "Secret Life of a Student" (aka, "A Lethal Lesson"), there is a major tussle over the adoption of an orphan. After both her parents were murdered, little Phoebe is adopted by Lauren Beeches, the best friend of the deceased mom Chloe. Now, the race is on to separate little Phoebe from Lauren by a nefarious villain. Who will ultimately gain custody of the character referred to as "my sweet baby angel"?
The filmmakers juggled two narrative strands. First, it is clear that someone wants Lauren out of the picture in order to get Phoebe in their clutches. Second, Lauren is framed at her place of employment, Grant High School, for fraternizing with a student.
The two actions were brought together due to the machinations of a deranged and clever villain. While there was not much suspense in figuring out the identity of the perp, interest was sustained due to the strong character development, especially that of the protagonist Lauren.
Ms. Beeches was a character of considerable stature. Despite being a victim both at work and on the home front, Lauren's stoic demeanor stood her in good stead against such figures as her oily Principal Harris. Lauren was a character who had agency against all the odds.
Another intriguing character was the attorney David York. At one point, he came under suspicion by Lauren. But David turned out to be that rare creature in a Lifetime film: a soft male who actually had backbone and determination.
The actors hit all the right notes in this well-paced and well-photographed domestic drama. The only missing element in the denouement was that Principal Harris should have been fired and been on the receiving end of a civil suit filed by David.
The filmmakers juggled two narrative strands. First, it is clear that someone wants Lauren out of the picture in order to get Phoebe in their clutches. Second, Lauren is framed at her place of employment, Grant High School, for fraternizing with a student.
The two actions were brought together due to the machinations of a deranged and clever villain. While there was not much suspense in figuring out the identity of the perp, interest was sustained due to the strong character development, especially that of the protagonist Lauren.
Ms. Beeches was a character of considerable stature. Despite being a victim both at work and on the home front, Lauren's stoic demeanor stood her in good stead against such figures as her oily Principal Harris. Lauren was a character who had agency against all the odds.
Another intriguing character was the attorney David York. At one point, he came under suspicion by Lauren. But David turned out to be that rare creature in a Lifetime film: a soft male who actually had backbone and determination.
The actors hit all the right notes in this well-paced and well-photographed domestic drama. The only missing element in the denouement was that Principal Harris should have been fired and been on the receiving end of a civil suit filed by David.