Movies

Krysten Ritter knows how to write a compelling antihero

BBG News

On a frosty winter’s evening, at a charitable event in a gallery situated in Chicago, a scam is unfolding. Under the guise of art consultant Elizabeth Hastings, Liz Dawson identifies her target, Mrs. Reed. After sharing a fabricated backstory that tugs at the heartstrings of this wealthy patron and philanthropist, Liz entices Mrs. Reed with an unreal Keith Haring artwork. As the evening progresses, they say their goodbyes, but not before Mrs. Reed receives one of Liz’s calling cards, and Liz slips away with Mrs. Reed’s ruby ring.

Krysten Ritter captivates us from the start with her opening in her latest novel, drawing us further in. Based in Los Angeles, known for her role as Jessica Jones in the Marvel series, and also an author, Ritter follows up her 2017 release “Bonfire” with another suspenseful tale featuring a strong-willed, spirited female lead character. “Retreat” introduces us to Liz, a skilled con artist, but as the story progresses and Ritter adds layers of complexity, it evolves into a mystery that its unconventional heroine struggles desperately to solve.

Liz’s troubles initially seem minor, but they tend to appear in sets of three. Mr. Reed’s son bothers Mrs. Reed with worries and then threats regarding the $50,000 investment she convinced his mother to make for a painting that she will never get to view. A hotel persistently chases her for unpaid bills. It won’t be long before it seems like the police might inquire about the scarf she forgot at the location of a recent crime.

Luckily, Liz manages to escape her worries as a chance presents itself. She eagerly takes on the task of overseeing an art installation at Casa Esmerelda, a beachfront villa in an exclusive Mexican resort. The villa’s owners, Oliver Beresford, a venture capitalist, and his wife Isabelle, will be away in Bali, allowing Liz a week to unwind and rejuvenate in their secluded, gated estate. Before long, she is enjoying the attractions of Punta Mita and socializing with the wealthy residents. Occasionally, some of them confuse her with Isabelle Beresford. Instead of clarifying, Liz chooses to maintain the confusion – a role that seems natural for someone accustomed to discarding one identity and adopting another.

While hiking with her new acquaintance Tilly, Liz stumbles upon the gruesome sight of two deceased individuals. “This isn’t what I bargained for,” she internally muses. “I don’t do death and risk — not the real, life-endangering kind.” However, to disclose further details would ruin the plot. In essence, Liz’s shocking discovery marks a shift in her circumstances. Instead of enjoying the outdoors, she now navigates in the dark, seeking answers. Her investigation involves tracking down a hidden underground office, breaking into emails, peeling back layers of dishonesty, creating “digital diversions” to mask the disappearance of an individual, and weighing whether one character’s unscrupulous acts could lead to murder. She seeks the truth while concealing her true intentions. Yet, can those she encounters truly be trusted?

Books

The book titled ‘Lion’ arrives when actress Sonya Walger experiences an immeasurable loss, having lost her house in the Palisades fire.

As a cinephile engrossed in the world of literature, I must say that Ritter’s second novel, jointly crafted with Lindsay Jamieson, presents a chilling narrative unfolding in an idyllic setting, akin to a suspenseful film noir. It showcases several commendable aspects: a skillfully managed pace, a meticulously structured plot, and at times, it truly leaves one on the edge of their seat. However, “Retreat” is not without its flaws. While it delivers the expected twists and turns common in this genre, there’s one major unveiling that’s as obvious as a neon sign, making it less impactful. At times, the prose falters with overused tropes, particularly when trying to build tension (“My heart pounds; my breath races”) or depict romance (“I let myself get lost in Jay’s dark eyes for a moment”).

In the engrossing incidents throughout the book, we tend to overlook errors. Ritter consistently heightens the suspense and tension, for instance, in a tight-knit scene where Liz surreptitiously searches through someone’s phone for hints, only to be swiftly confronted when discovered. Ritter is particularly skilled at delivering witty dialogue and keen insights into the extravagant lifestyles and charmed lives of the elite, as demonstrated by a Yale graduate who expresses “the unaware arrogance of a winner in life who began at the finish line.

Awards

As a fervent film enthusiast, when I stepped into the shoes of Jessica Jones in Netflix’s gritty noir drama “Marvel’s Jessica Jones,” it was the allure of delving deep into the complex psyche of this compelling character that truly captivated me.

Among all characters, the novel’s protagonist, Liz, stands out as a captivating figure. She is both intelligent and feisty, with a knack for trickery that makes her performances all the more entertaining. One naive woman of leisure even comments, “You’re different from all the others here. You’re genuine.” The story becomes equally engaging when Liz stumbles as she finds herself in over her head. At one point, she admits, “I’m Cinderella after the ball, and the spell is wearing off.” Ritter skillfully develops Liz’s character further by delving into her challenging past through flashbacks, revealing her more vulnerable side. As the gripping plot races towards its surprising climax, we find ourselves rooting for her success.

Those who don’t finish the book might lament its improbable setup and other unrealistic elements that could trip one up. However, it’s worthwhile to relax, let go of doubts, and simply delight in the journey instead.

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2025-03-21 13:32

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