History Film / VowsOfDeceit

* CowardlyLion: At the climax, [[spoiler: three women confront Leo, with a strong male (and a priest if needed) for backup. Instead of overpowering Leo when he goes insane and he pulls a gun, the not-so-brave heroes choose to flee. This leads to a drawn-out fight sequence.]]

* FamilyUnfriendlyDeath: More than one woman-in-peril sequence and more than one victim meets a particularly bloody and nasty end. Not a movie for younger children.

** British actress Keeley Hazell is a former FashionModel who has appeared in men's magazines ''Nuts'' and ''Zoo'', and many times on the front cover of ''FHM''. The sequence where her character Cindy is [[spoiler: murdered by the bride-killer]] includes a shot of her bare legs thrashing.

The central character is Sara Ross, portrayed by [[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1349694 Katherine Bailess]]. Everything seems to be going brilliantly when she marries the handsome and seemingly perfect Leo Friedman ([[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3090838 Damon Dayoub]]). However, Sara grows suspicious after Leo starts to spend time away from home. Things get worse when her credit card is declined, and she discovers Leo has fraudulently withdrawn money from her bank account.

Sara receives a disturbing visit from Melinda Wells ([[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2015692 Tiffany Hines]]), who reveals Leo is married to her under a different name and has financially ruined her as well. Further investigation reveals Leo plans to marry two further women: Cindy Steele ([[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1931742/ Keeley Hazell]]) and Parker Wyndham ([[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3196681 Ali Cobrin]]).

Events take a deadly turn when a fifth wife - Maisy Summers ([[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2148448 Nikki Moore]]) - is brutally murdered. Fearful the thieving Leo is also a serial bride-killer and they might be next, the wronged women band together to get revenge.

* BoundAndGagged: In an intense murder sequence, the bride-killer secures [[spoiler: Cindy]] in padlocked wrist restraints and clamps a black-gloved hand over her mouth to muffle her cries. A similar thing later happens to [[spoiler: Sara at the climax, who is restrained by a hooked harness]].
* ConMan: Leo, who marries several women at once. Not because he loves them - he wants control over their finances.

* TheInfiltration: To gain access to Parker and Leo's wedding ceremony without arousing his suspicion, Sara and Melinda disguise themselves as bridesmaids all in black, complete with veils to mask their faces.

* TheMole: Parker is essentially an undercover operative ''at her own wedding''. The bride-to-be works with Sara and Melinda after she's made aware of Leo's malicious intentions.

* NoTellMotel: Sara and Melinda meet in a run-down motel to discuss their strategy prior to gatecrashing Leo and Parker's wedding.

** While undercover as bridesmaids at Parker's wedding, Sara and Melinda secretly meet up with her in an empty room. Suddenly there is a knock on the door. Sara and Melinda turn sharply round, fearful of discovery.

* ShotgunWedding: At Leo's wedding to Parker, he's confronted by a determined-looking Melinda, cold eyed as she aims a pistol. Parker and Sara stand in the background, looking somewhat apprehensive.

* VillainousBreakdown: At the beginning of the movie Leo is calm and collected, and maintains his suaveness even when confronted by Sara. After his wedding to Parker is interrupted and his lies exposed, Leo goes [[AxCrazy completely off the rails]] and attempts to murder the women responsible.
* WeHardlyKnewYe: Maisy has very little screen time before she's gruesomely killed off. [[spoiler: And Cindy doesn't fare much better.]]
* WeddingDay: Twice. The first is the opening, relatively serene marriage between Sara and Leo. The second is the far more chaotic, action-packed extravaganza that is the Leo/Parker wedding.
* WeddingSmashers: The confrontation between the revenge-seeking brides and Leo at his wedding with Parker.

* YourCheatingHeart: Three months into her own marriage, Sara learns Leo is also married to Maisy and Melinda, and is planning to marry Cindy and Parker. That makes ''five'' women simultaneously.

* TheInfiltration: To gain access to Parker and Leo's wedding ceremony without arousing his suspicion, Sara and Melinda disguise themselves as bridesmaids all in black, complete with veils to mask their faces.
* TheMole: Parker is essentially an undercover operative ''at her own wedding''. The bride-to-be works with Sara and Melinda after she's made aware of Leo's malicious intentions.
* ThemeSerialKiller: The bride-killer specifically targets Leo's wives and fiances. And uses distinctive killing methods.

** From a character perspective, not so much - most females end up as hapless victims (though Sara morphs ''partially'' into one by the climax).
** The actresses deserve a shout for mostly performing their own stunts in a more action-packed than usual TV movie (especially the leads).

** In the scene where [[spoiler: Cindy]] is stalked through the hallway, there is a visible reflection on the bride-killer's right shoulder. In the final frames of this segment, it's just about possible to make out a dangling wrist restraint.
** The harness around [[spoiler: Sara's]] waist is also easy to miss, and the killer's left shoulder hook only appears clearly in a handful of isolated frames.

** ''Action'' - Check out the wedding climax with brutal and intense fights/struggles, and the scene-setting camerawork.

* GenreSavvy: Horror movie victims are known for fleeing masked killers, leading to drawn-out chase sequences. The bride-killer negates this tactic by bringing along an elaborate restraint setup.

** While Sara lies in bed with Leo he produces a kitchen knife, which causes her to recoil in terror. Leo then asks Sara if she's scared, smiling as he runs a finger across the blade.

** Sara's reaction when she realises all the money has been withdrawn from her account. And a similar look of disbelief when Sara checks his laptop computer and discovers a saved image of her signature.

** From a character perspective, not so much - most females end up as hapless victims (though Sara morphs into one by the climax).
** [[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0412238 Terri Ivens]] as Detective Mason could qualify.

* BigBad: The bride-killer.
* BlackDudeDiesFirst: Averted. Melinda - the only notable black character - is still alive as the climax approaches.

* DontGoInTheWoods: [[spoiler: The climatic confrontation at the log cabin.]]
* FamilyUnfriendlyDeath: More than one woman-in-peril sequence and more than one victim meets a particularly bloody and nasty end. Not a movie for the kids.

* FinalGirl: Sara (who else?) during the denouement [[spoiler: when she's attacked by the bride-killer at the log cabin]].
* {{Foreshadowing}}: Police meet with Sara, Melinda and Cindy and show them a photo of the bride-killer's handiwork: Maisy in a death-pose with a stab wound in her chest and unexplained marks on her wrists. [[spoiler: Not long after that, Cindy suffers the same grisly fate on-screen revealing the killer's brutal modus operandi.]]

* ImprovisedWeapon: After his plan unravels, Leo pins Sara down and chokes her. She reaches desperately for her overturned handbag and the various cosmetics, and eventually grabs a jewelled brooch to save herself.

** The bride-killer's WeaponOfChoice. For the first two murders, at least.

* MarketBasedTitle: Renamed to ''Deadly Matrimony'' for the US premiere, and during production the working title was ''He Loved Them All''.

* NetworkDecay: Averted. While there are many typical Creator/{{Lifetime}} movie elements (wronged woman, psycho boyfriend etc.), take into account the action and horror segments and distinct lack of padding to fill a ninety minute run time, and this movie is anything but routine.
* NeverBringAKnifeToAGunFight: Prior to her confrontation with the bride-killer [[spoiler: at the log cabin]], Sara grabs a fire poker. It turns out to be woefully insufficient against such a well-prepared adversary.
* NeverOneMurder: The bride-killer claims multiple victims over the course of the movie.
* NeverTrustATrailer: The Lifetime preview includes numerous clips from the wedding where Leo confronts the vengeful brides, suggesting it's the final confrontation. In reality, the true ending is when [[spoiler: the bride-killer attacks Sara at the log cabin]]. Justified given the short time restriction for previews (thirty seconds) and the need to avoid spoilers.

** Sara's reaction when she realises all the money has been withdrawn from her account.
** While Leo is in the shower, Sara checks his laptop computer and discovers a saved image of her signature.

* VeryLooselyBasedOnATrueStory: According to the [[http://www.marvista.net/catalog_items/1161 Marvista website]], the movie was [[InspiredBy "inspired by an unbelievable true story"]]. More plausible details (such as a con artist marrying and stealing money from multiple women) ''may'' be based on actual events, but the story as depicted is mostly fictional.

** [[spoiler:: And Melinda definitely qualifies as a DarkActionGirl, committing the murders on her own without the need of a {{Dragon}}.]]

* UnwittingPawn: The wronged wives believe they are all fighting for the same cause, but [[spoiler: Melinda is using them all along as part of her evil scheme]].

''[[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6984456/ Vows of Deceit]]'' is a Main/MadeForTVMovie Main/{{Thriller}} due to premiere on May 20, 2018 on the US channel Creator/{{Lifetime}} under the alternative title ''Deadly Matrimony'' (not to be confused with the [[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104068 1992 TV movie]] starring Brian Dennehy).

The central character is Sara Ross, portrayed by [[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1349694 Katherine Bailess]]. Everything seems to be going brilliantly when she marries the handsome and seemingly perfect Leo Friedman ([[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3090838 Damon Dayoub]]). However, after Leo begins to spend time away from home, Sara grows suspicious. Things get worse when Sara's credit card is declined, and she discovers Leo has fraudulently withdrawn money from her bank account.

* GenreShift: The earlier sections of the movie revolve around Sara discovering the truth about Leo and doing amateur detective work - fairly standard TV movie stuff. After the bride-killer ups the stakes by offing Maisy, the movie starts to veer into Main/SlasherMovie and Main/ActionGenre territory.

* NetworkDecay: Averted. While there are many typical Creator/{{Lifetime}} movie elements (wronged woman, psycho boyfriend etc.), take into account the action and horror elements and distinct lack of padding to fill a ninety minute run time, and this movie is anything but routine.

** While Leo is in the shower, Sara checks his laptop computer and discovers he's stored a digital copy of her signature.

* ScreamingWarrior: During the wedding showdown set-piece, Sara screams in fury as she swings a knife at Leo's exposed back.

* VeryLooselyBasedOnATrueStory: According to the [[http://www.marvista.net/catalog_items/1161 Marvista website]], the movie was [[InspiredBy "inspired by an unbelievable true story"]]. Certain plausible details (such as a con artist marrying and stealing money from multiple women) may have been based on actual events, but the story as depicted is mostly fictional.
* VillainousBreakdown: At the beginning of the movie Leo is calm and composed, maintain his suaveness even when confronted by Sara. After his wedding to Parker is interrupted and his lies exposed, Leo goes [[AxCrazy completely off the rails]] and attempts to murder the women responsible.

* MenAreTheExpendableGender: Averted. The bride-killer specifically targets females.

The central character is Sara Ross, portrayed by [[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1349694 Katherine Bailess]]. Everything seems to be going brilliantly when she marries the handsome and seemingly perfect Leo Friedman ([[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3090838 Damon Dayoub]]). However, after Leo begins to spend time away from home, Sara grows suspicious. The situation worsens when Sara's credit card is declined, and she discovers Leo has fraudulently transferred money from her bank account.

Events take a deadly turn when a fifth wife - Maisy Summers ([[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2148448 Nikki Moore]]) - is found murdered. Fearful the thieving Leo is also a serial bride-killer and they might be next, the wronged women band together to get revenge before it's too late.

The central character is Sara Ross, portrayed by [[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1349694 Katherine Bailess]]. Everything seems to be going brilliantly when she marries the handsome and seemingly perfect Leo Friedman ([[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3090838 Damon Dayoub]]). However, after Leo begins to act strangely and spend time away from home, Sara grows suspicious of his activities. The situation worsens when Sara's credit card is declined, and she discovers Leo has fraudulently transferred money from her bank account.

The movie was produced by [[http://ninthhousefilms.com The Ninth House]], a US-based company headed by director [[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3401440 Jake Helgren]] and producer [[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2608927 Autumn Federici]]. The movie's screenplay was co-written by Jake Helgren and [[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4959457 Emily Nye]]. [[http://www.marvista.net/ Marvista Entertainment]] handle distribution rights.

The central character is Sara Ross, portrayed by [[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1349694 Katherine Bailess]]. Everything seems to be going brilliantly for Sara when she marries the handsome and seemingly perfect Leo Friedman ([[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3090838 Damon Dayoub]]). However, after Leo begins to act strangely and spend time away from home, Sara grows suspicious of his activities. The situation worsens when Sara's credit card is declined, and she discovers Leo has fraudulently transferred money from her bank accounts.

Events take a deadly turn when a fifth wife - Maisy Summers ([[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2148448 Nikki Moore]]) - is found murdered. Fearful the thieving Leo is also a serial bride-killer, the wronged women band together to get revenge before it's too late.

A short 30 second preview is available on [[https://www.mylifetime.com/movies/deadly-matrimony Lifetime's website]].

A longer, two minute trailer (with more spoiler content) can be viewed on the [[http://www.marvista.net/catalog_items/1161 Marvista Entertainment website]] or alternatively [[http://www.c21media.net/screenings/marvistaentertainment/vows-of-deceit/11952/ C21 Media]].

** Check out this [[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6984456/mediaviewer/rm89936640 IMDB image]] of Tiffany Hines doing her best [[Film/BasicInstinct Sharon Stone]] impression. Her character Melinda sits in the motel room with her bare legs crossed, smoking cigarette in hand.

** Check out this [[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6984456/mediaviewer/rm89936640 IMDB image]] of Tiffany Hines doing her best[[Film/BasicInstinct Sharon Stone]] impression. Her character Melinda sits in the motel room with her bare legs crossed, smoking cigarette in hand.

** Tiffany Hines does her best [[Film/BasicInstinct Sharon Stone]] impression in the motel room scene. Her character Melinda sits with her bare legs crossed, smoking cigarette in hand.

** The motel room scene includes a shot of Tiffany Hines' character Melinda sat with her legs crossed in a FemmeFatale like pose, wearing a short-skirted outfit that leaves her lower thighs exposed.

* AloneWithThePsycho: While Sara lies in bed with Leo he produces a kitchen knife, which causes her to recoil in terror. Leo then asks Sara if she's scared, smiling as he runs a finger across the blade.

* TheInfiltration: To gain access to Parker and Leo's wedding ceremony without arousing his suspicion, Sara and Melinda disguise themselves as bridesmaids all in black, complete with veils to mask their faces.

* TheMole: Parker is essentially an undercover operative ''at her own wedding''. The bride-to-be works with Sara and Melinda after she's made aware of Leo's malicious intentions.

[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/vows_of_deceit_wedding.jpg]]

* LetsGetDangerous: After the women ruin Leo's wedding day, he drops the nice guy act and arms himself with a pistol.

* OhCrap: While undercover as bridesmaids at Parker's wedding, Sara and Melinda secretly meet up with her in an empty room. Suddenly there is a knock on the door. Sara and Melinda turn sharply round, fearful of discovery.

* TheMole: Parker is essentially an undercover operative ''at her own wedding''. The bride-to-be works with Sara and Melinda after she's made aware of Leo's malicious intentions.
* TheInfiltration: To gain access to Parker and Leo's wedding ceremony without arousing his suspicion, Sara and Melinda disguise themselves as bridesmaids all in black, complete with veils to mask their faces.

** The motel room scene includes a shot of Tiffany Hines' character Melinda sat down with her legs crossed in a FemmeFatale style pose. Her short-skirted outfit leaves her lower thighs exposed.

** The motel room scene includes a shot of Tiffany Hines' character Melinda sat down with her legs crossed in a FemmeFatale style pose. The short-skirted outfit she wears leaves her lower thighs exposed.

** The motel room scene includes a shot of Tiffany Hines' character Melinda sat down with her legs crossed. The short-skirted outfit she wears leaves her lower thighs exposed.

** The motel room scene includes a shot of Tiffany Hines' Melinda with her legs crossed. The short skirt she wears leaves her lower thighs exposed.

** Leo is shirtless in his bed scene with Sara. In the dim light, his sweaty skin glistens.
** British actress Keeley Hazell - who plays Cindy - is a former FashionModel who appeared in men's magazines ''Nuts'' and ''Zoo'', and a PageThreeStunna who regularly featured topless in the UK red-top tabloid ''[[UsefulNotes/BritishNewspapers The Sun]]''. The sequence where she is [[spoiler: murdered by the bride-killer]] includes a shot of her bare legs thrashing.

** British actress Keeley Hazell - who plays Cindy - is a former model

* {{Fanservice}}: The movie features something for all genders and sexual orientations.

**