Sleeping with the enemy - review

Laura Burney is a kept woman who lives on the beach with her wealthy husband, but while she could be envied for her lifestyle, behind the scenes Michael is possessive and likes everything to be done in his own particular way. With his controlling ways she knows in her heart she should leave him, but without the strength to do this, she allows herself to be bullied into living a life she no longer wants to lead.

When Michael tells her he has met a man with a boat and informs her that they will be going sailing later that evening, despite knowing of Laura’s fear of water, she allows herself to go along with his plans. But when the weather takes a turn for the worse and they hit a storm, it doesn’t take long before the boat is thrown around in the sea and Laura is nowhere to be seen.

Despite a rescue effort, Laura is presumed drowned and Michael is forced to live on without her, but what he doesn’t know is that Laura planned on getting away from him and took the opportunity of the storm to jump overboard and escape. Having learnt how to swim, Laura makes her way back to the house before packing a bag and travelling back home to Iowa where she can be closer to her mother who is in a care home.

After faking her death and with her former life behind her, Laura begins to experience life on her own and soon makes friends with neighbour Ben who shows her how to have fun. But when Michael discovers Laura’s wedding ring and learns that Laura’s mother was moved from her care home and didn’t die 6 months ago as he was told, he begins to realise that Laura may not be dead after all and chose to leave him of her own free will.

As Laura adjusts to life without fear, she enjoys spending time with Ben and working at the local library, but when she discovers the items in her kitchen cupboards are lined up and the towels are neatly placed how Michael used to like the house, she is confronted by her husband who has managed to track her down and is determined to make her his again.

Julia Roberts’ portrayal of an abused woman, who finds the strength to escape and live her own life, resulted in a thrilling movie which I had been eager to watch ever since it was recommended to me.

Full of suspense and drama, I would definitely say this is one to watch.