Whispers in the Dark

Entertaining whodunit set in psychiatric community...
Whispers in the Dark (1992), an entertaining whodunit/whydunit, may also fall conveniently under the category, "white-collar thriller". Similar to films produced around this period: Malice (1993), Hand that Rocks the Cradle (1992), and Single White Female (1992), Whispers in the Dark focuses its attentions on Ann Hecker (Annabella Sciorra) whose psychiatric practice may suffer irreparably as a result of engaging the attentions of Doug McDowell (Jamey Sheridan), a robust pilot who flirts with Ann one morning while standing in a crowded elevator.

What begins as a minor flirtation sets in motion a series of events, one of which results in the murder of one of Ann's clients, Eve Abergray (Deborah Kara), who had a history of exploring sexually deviant acts with an unnamed boyfriend of similar erotic tastes. As the film progresses, Ann has just cause to suspect Doug of foul play. Larry Morgenstern (Anthony LaPaglia), a tough and unflinching detective, harasses Ann for her session...

Hey, it's good. Honest.
I don't know why reviewers were so harsh with this film. It was interesting and entertaining, and it kept me quessing, even though the other contributers on this page gave away the ending without warning of "spoilers." I recommend this film when you are not in the mood for the latest "critical success/oscar contender," preferring instead a nifty little mystery. It gets points also for having a straightforward ending, and not one of this twists where you go "huh?"

Solid thriller in "Basic Instinct" mold
An uneasy mixture of thrills, chills and camp, "Whispers in the Dark" came out the same time as "Basic Instinct" and, although it lacks the high cheese factor that distinguishes that film, it has its moments. Psychiatrist Ann Hecker (Annabella Sciorra) is trapped in a dead end relationship which makes listening to one of her patient's (Deborah Unger in a sultry, memorable performance)unusual sexual exploits difficult. Seeking solice she seeks advice from her mentor (Alan Alda). When she becomes involved with a man (the underrated and great Jamey Sheridan) she meets in an elevator, she finds some fulfulliment. Then one of her patient's is murdered and evidence points to her new boyfriend as a possible suspect her world is turned upside down.

With a twist ending out of Agatha Christie (albeit involving sexual jealous as a motive), "Whispers in the Dark" is a bit uneven but a throughly enjoyable mystery thriller that you might see Lifetime (although without the sexual...

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