Actors Morris Chestnut, Sanaa Lathan, and Michael Ealy all give an outstanding performance in the thriller movie “The Perfect Guy.” Leah (Sanaa Lathan) is a hardworking, career-driven woman who aspires to have a husband and children before her biological clock runs out. Dave (Morris Chestnut), her suave boyfriend, is not willing to compromise with her demands. Months after her break-up with Dave, Leah invites another man, Carter (Michael Ealy), into her life. Leah and Carter reunite at a bar after exchanging looks during their first encounter in a coffee shop. Leah is intrigued by Carter’s charming looks and his romantic gestures and decides to introduce him to her family and friends after a few dates with him.
Leah believes she has found the perfect guy until she witnesses Carter brutally injure a man with his bare hands. She calls it quits with Carter, but Carter refuses to live life without her. Carter’s aggressive nature comes to the surface, and he begins to harass Leah by excessively calling her, leaving messages, and going to her house unannounced. Leah informs the police of Carter’s actions and files a restraining order against him. Carter’s mission is to destroy Leah’s life by harming people she loves, invading her privacy, and getting her suspended from work. Leah is desperate to get her life back and is forced to take drastic measures to end this life-or-death battle with Carter.
This movie is significant because of its message to women who are in abusive relationships or harassed by stalkers. There are not many laws that protect women from men who harass or abuse them; as a result, they must take matters into their own hands. For example, a woman has the option to file a restraining order against her abuser or stalker, but that does not prevent the abuser or stalker from attacking the women. This restraining order usually provokes the abuser or stalker to harm the woman and possibly kill her. A piece of paper that says an abuser or stalker cannot come within a certain amount of feet of the victim does not guarantee the woman will escape from the wrath of her abuser or stalker.
Women who are threatened by their abuser or stalker are often afraid to go to the police because they know their abuser or stalker cannot be arrested without concrete evidence. I believe this movie will encourage women to stand up to their abuser or stalker and to create more laws to protect them in these types of situations. Laws such as “The Violence Against Women Act” which created new punishments for certain crimes and started programs to help victims and prevent violence. Implementing more laws similar to the one aforementioned will protect women from violent abusers and stalkers. It will also be effective in saving their lives.
This movie affected me because I have seen how hard it is for women to end an abusive relationship because they're afraid of more violence and intimidation. This is a real issue that many women experience every day, and this movie sheds light on the subject. Whether they stay or leave, women in abusive relationships always live in fear because they know there is a chance their abuser or stalker may try to harm them.
