The White Orchid (Steve Anderson, 2018) USA

Reviewed by Grace Hartell. Viewed at Metro 2 Theater, Santa Barbara.

The White Orchid, written and directed by Steve Anderson (This Last Chance, The Big Empty) had its world premiere at the Santa Barbara Film Festival.  Based in Morro Bay, California, this film noir thriller starts fresh with a female detective as the protagonist. Her investigation of an unsolved murder takes some interesting and then disappointing turns.

We meet Claire, played by Olivia Thirlby (Juno), a demure private investigator who wants to solve the cold-case murder of a mysterious woman, “Jessica”,  who had been renting a home in the small town. Claire is a smart, reserved woman wears somber clothing and no makeup. She successfully convinces her boss Vivian, played by Jennifer Beals (Flashdance) that she has the skills to solve the case.

Claire researches the case and begins her investigation in a meticulous manner. The victim, unidentifiable due to the gruesome nature of the murder,  was nicknamed “The White Orchid” by media and groupies alike.  Claire visits the beach where Jessica’s body was found, now a shrine, and repeatedly visits the woman’s home scouring for clues.

She is intrigued to learn more about Jessica’s glamorous, secret life. In a surprising turn, we see Claire putting on Jessica’s red lipstick and her wearing her long hair down from its stern ponytail.  As professional interest turns to obsession she gradually assumes the identity of Jessica.

Claire’s personality also shifts as she dresses up in Jessica’s lingerie, heels and wigs. Now fully as Jessica, she visits San Francisco and has a sexual encounter with a woman she meets in a club. This is the point where the film lost me. The use of gratuitous lesbian sex in an otherwise compelling film was unnecessary and disappointing.  She did not need to hook up with anyone to close the case.  Choosing another woman felt like a shallow gimmick to appeal to a male audience.

The cinematography was consistent with the noir genre. The beach scenes and iconic Morro Rock give the film a creepy but beautiful feel. The music adds to the dark mood.

Overall the film failed to deliver and betrayed my hopes for Claire.  I am disappointed that the film did not allow this smart, strong character to stand on her own merit.