While "Secrets of a Gold Digger Killer" was based on a true story, the film had an artificial quality to it. From the outset, it was clear that the protagonist Celeste was a gold digger. Yet, it was never very credible that so many people would come into her orbit and fall under her spell.
One especially weak link was Celeste's relationship to Steve Beard, a lonely widower. Steve was a kind man and a savvy businessman. It was never believable that this intelligent man would marry Celeste and be such a wimp when she began to squander his fortune. He should have seen everything coming from the opening scene in the restaurant.
Another weakness was in the relationship of Celeste and the mentally unbalanced Tracey Tarleton. It was equally implausible that Tracey would fall under the spell of Celeste. In both the relationships of Celeste and Steve and her connection to Tracey, there was no passion. How could these people be so gullible?
The focus on the film was how Celeste's two daughters, Jennifer and Kristina, finally determined to stand up to their mother and bring evidence that would eventually land her in jail for the murder of Steve. It was sad that these young women, who had spent time in foster homes, would be compelled to sell out their birth mother. For better or worse, Jennifer and Kristina must live their lives with a sense of betrayal.
Unfortunately, "Gold Digger Killer" was an extremely unpleasant viewing experience. It is difficult to imagine that one greedy woman could bring so much pain into the lives of others who genuinely cared about her.
One especially weak link was Celeste's relationship to Steve Beard, a lonely widower. Steve was a kind man and a savvy businessman. It was never believable that this intelligent man would marry Celeste and be such a wimp when she began to squander his fortune. He should have seen everything coming from the opening scene in the restaurant.
Another weakness was in the relationship of Celeste and the mentally unbalanced Tracey Tarleton. It was equally implausible that Tracey would fall under the spell of Celeste. In both the relationships of Celeste and Steve and her connection to Tracey, there was no passion. How could these people be so gullible?
The focus on the film was how Celeste's two daughters, Jennifer and Kristina, finally determined to stand up to their mother and bring evidence that would eventually land her in jail for the murder of Steve. It was sad that these young women, who had spent time in foster homes, would be compelled to sell out their birth mother. For better or worse, Jennifer and Kristina must live their lives with a sense of betrayal.
Unfortunately, "Gold Digger Killer" was an extremely unpleasant viewing experience. It is difficult to imagine that one greedy woman could bring so much pain into the lives of others who genuinely cared about her.