Georgetown (2020)

Set in the political and social circles of Washington D.C., an eccentric and smooth talking social climber (Christoph Waltz) is married to a much older woman (Vanessa Redgrave), who is wealthy and has social connections. But when his wife is found dead in her home in the early hours of the morning, her daughter (Annette Bening) suspects he might be complicit in her death and a police investigation uncovers a larger deception. Based on the New York Times article THE WORST MARRIAGE IN GEORGETOWN by Franklin Foer and directed by Christoph Waltz. Foer's article documented the murder of Washington socialite, Viola Herms Drath and the movie fictionalizes the events so rather than "this is a true story" at the film's beginning, we get "inspired by a true story". First shown in 2019 at the Tribeca film festival, the film was picked up by Paramount which gave it a limited release theatrically this year before heading to video on demand. It's a pity it seemed to get lost in the shuffle because it's a very good film. For anyone interested in murder mysteries or true crime stories, this is manna. I was riveted right from the beginning and what a joy to see Vanessa Redgrave in a leading role (though she's killed off in the beginning, she's prominent in the flashbacks) after playing so many small supporting roles in recent years. Naturally, she's excellent and Waltz is marvelous oozing graciousness while hiding his real self. In a smaller part, Annette Bening is quite good as the suspicious daughter. With Corey Hawkins and Laura De Carteret.