Murder in Mexico (2015 Lifetime)

Murder in Mexico (2015 Lifetime)

Cast: Elizabeth Gillies, Cynthia Stevenson, William R. Moses

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Synopsis (via Lifetime)

Bruce Beresford-Redman, a producer for the reality TV show “Survivor,” becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s strangulation death in Mexico.

Thoughts

Bruce is arrested for the murder of his wife in Mexico. The press and camera crews surround him, which is ironic because he was a reality show producer.

2010 Cancun, Mexico. Bruce is on vacation with his wife, Monica, and his children Miles and Katie. His marriage is on the rocks, and Monica is hopeful for reconciliation but isn’t confident in the relationship.

Through flashback, we learn that Bruce is cheating on his wife with a blonde woman named Hilary while Monica raises his children. Monica overhears Bruce on the phone and realizes he is steping out on her. She confides in her friend, Gretchen, who tells her to kick him out. Monica tells Bruce he is not just losing her but also her family. He begs her for a second chance and promises to end things with Hilary.

Monica confronts Hilary about the affair. She gives her pictures of her kids to remind her of who she is hurting. Hilary apologizes and promises to stay away from Bruce.

Back in 2010, Cancun. Resort neighbors hear a scream in the morning and check with Bruce to see if everything is okay. He explains it away as his kids playing. Later that evening, he calls hotel security, looking for his wife. He also calls her family and Gretchen. Gretchen is surprised he hasn’t called the police. (Through flashback, we see Gretchen witnessing a nasty fight between Monica and Bruce.) Bruce puts up missing person flyers and cooperates with the Mexican Police.

Monica’s family come to Mexico to help with the search. The police find Monica’s body 25 meters from the resort, and Bruce freaks out, crying and screaming. The police poke holes in his story and begin to view Bruce in another light. Bruce is appointed a Mexican lawyer. In Mexico, you are guilty until proven innocent, soooo Bruce is screwed.

Bruce’s recollection is shown. He claims to fall and getting injured while hiking. He also accuses a waiter at the resort of stalking his wife. The police aren’t buying it and require him to turn in his passport.

Gretchen turns in some emails from Hilary to the authorities, giving them the motive for strangling his wife. Before they can arrest him, Bruce crosses the border with his driver’s license and evades the police for seven months. He has trouble getting work and is all over the press as a killer.

Bruce’s American lawyer tells him about another attack at the resort with a waiter. Bruce is extricated to Mexico on murder charges. The case goes to trial.

Cut to Monica on vacation. She finds texts between Bruce and Hilary and knows he is lying. She plans on ending the marriage and calls Gretchen to change the locks. She goes back to the room and argues with Bruce. She tells him that the relationship is over, and he strangles her.

Eighteen months later, a news crew interviews him, and he maintains his innocence in a Mexican Prison. He is convinced of murder and serving a 12-year sentence, which seems too little for killing someone.

Side Note

Minority Report: Monica, Producer, Resort neighbors, Mexican Authorities, Monica’s family, Resort staff, Lawyer, Amy

Read about the real-life case here.

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Overall rating

🔪🔪🔪 (3 Knives)

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