"The Disappearance of Cari Farver" (2022 Lifetime): A Gripping Drama Unraveling a Twisted True Story.
Directed by Danishka Esterhazy and produced by Michael Halpern, "The Disappearance of Cari Farver" takes audiences on a chilling journey through a real-life crime, as depicted in Leslie Rule's bestselling true-crime book, "A Tangled Web." With a talented cast including Alicia Witt as Liz, Zach Gilford as Dave Kroupa, and Bradley Sawatzky as Detective Adams, this Lifetime drama will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
The movie begins with a frantic 911 call from a woman who has been shot by another woman in a park. The story then jumps back four months to a dance club, possibly on Halloween, where Liz (played by Alicia Witt) is introduced. After a lengthy tenure at Hallmark, Witt delivers a captivating performance, immediately engaging in a passionate encounter with a handsome stranger on the bar's rooftop.
Liz, an older woman longing for a committed relationship, chooses Dave Kroupa (Zach Gilford from "Friday Night Lights") as her romantic interest. However, Dave is not interested in monogamy as he has recently ended a twelve-year relationship with Sara Bower, who is raising his two children. The reason behind Liz's choice remains a mystery.
While working as a mechanic, Dave meets Cari Farver (Rebecca Amzallag), a woman with a sixteen-year-old son named Sam, whom she raises with the help of her mother, Nancy. Dave and Cari bond over their shared experience of being parents, and their relationship evolves from a casual hookup to include activities like jogging, shopping at yard sales, and watching old movies together. However, their idyllic romance takes a dark turn when Cari's ex-boyfriend shows up, enraged over a restraining order. For her safety, Cari seeks refuge at Dave's apartment.
Amidst the unfolding events, Liz's apartment is vandalized with spray-painted words that read "Dave's Whore." Dave continues to receive disturbing messages from Cari, and both he and Liz start receiving threatening texts. Dave believes Cari has become unhinged, and he teams up with Liz to address the situation. Their shared experiences bring them closer together.
Growing increasingly concerned about her daughter's well-being, Nancy Farver becomes alarmed when Cari misses work and fails to attend a wedding, despite maintaining communication through text messages. Sam, Cari's son, confides in his grandmother, revealing that something is seriously wrong. This prompts Nancy to approach the police for help. However, the detective assigned to the case initially shows little concern, only promising to investigate after receiving a list of men Cari has been dating.
The tension escalates when Liz's house is set ablaze, and her dogs are trapped inside. Faced with mounting evidence that something sinister is afoot, the detectives decide to divide their efforts, investigating whether Cari is alive or deceased. Liz visits the police station, voluntarily handing over her phone for a technical analysis. During her visit, she accuses both Cari and Dave's ex-wife, Sara, of potentially being responsible for the harassment.
Then, Nancy receives a call from a man associated with a women's shelter, claiming that Cari had sought refuge there. Hopeful, Nancy and Sam wait anxiously, anticipating a reunion that never occurs. As tensions rise, Dave's home falls victim to vandalism, and messages are sent to his former dates from his own phone. Feeling threatened, Dave purchases a gun for protection.
Following a heated argument with Dave, Liz finds solace in a park where she breaks down in tears. In a sudden turn of events, Liz is shot and makes a frantic 911 call, accusing Sara Brower of the crime. Sara is arrested and subjected to a lie detector test, while the detectives collect fingerprints from both Sara and Liz.
A tech expert at the police station uncovers a shocking revelation: Liz had made six calls to Cari before her disappearance. Moreover, evidence surfaces that Liz had been utilizing an app called PreText to send harassing messages. The detectives promptly warn Dave of Liz's potential danger, identifying her as the stalker.
Dave meets with the detective, who reveals that Liz is the likely culprit behind Cari's presumed demise. Disturbed by this revelation, Dave ends his relationship with Liz and decides to return to Sara and their children. Liz, however, reacts explosively, causing a scene at a restaurant.
Subsequently, the detectives bring Liz in for questioning and deceive her by claiming they have discovered a body. Hoping to frame Sara, Liz sends a confession from Sara's email address. The detectives employ a clever bluff, but Liz requests legal representation upon seeing deleted photos of her own body, including a distinctive tattoo—a Chinese symbol for "Mother."
Ultimately, Liz is convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. In a heartfelt scene, Sam and Nancy mourn Cari at her gravesite, promising to live their lives in her memory.
"The Disappearance of Cari Farver" offers an enthralling exploration of a twisted true story, with a stellar cast and gripping direction. This Lifetime drama will keep viewers captivated as the mystery unravels, showcasing the harrowing consequences of obsession and the enduring power of love and resilience.
The Disappearance of Cari Farver (2022)
The Top Cast Details
Zach Gilford as Dave Kroupa
Zach Gilford, the talented American actor renowned for his portrayal of Dave Kroupa in the new Lifetime movie, has captivated audiences with his performances, particularly in his memorable role on NBC's Friday Night Lights.
At the age of 40, Zach has not only made a name for himself in the entertainment industry but has also found happiness in his personal life. Since 2012, he has been happily married to his wife, Kiele Sanchez. Together, they have been blessed with the joy of raising a son, adding another layer of fulfillment to Zach's life beyond his successful acting career.
Alicia Witt
Alicia Witt, an accomplished actor, singer, and songwriter, has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry throughout her nearly three-decade-long career. Her journey began in 1984 with a notable film debut as "Alia" in David Lynch's renowned science fiction masterpiece, Dune (1984).
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Alicia Witt is the daughter of Diane (Pietro), a dedicated high school teacher, and Robert Witt, a talented photographer and science teacher. With a rich and diverse heritage, Alicia's ancestry encompasses Irish, Italian, French-Canadian, Polish, and English roots, adding to the tapestry of her identity and artistic expression.
Bradley Sawatzky
Born on February 24, 1974, in Winnipeg, Canada, Bradley Sawatzky is a multifaceted talent, excelling as both an actor and a writer. He has made his mark in the entertainment industry, garnering recognition for his work in notable productions such as Channel Zero (2016), Siberia (2018), and The Grudge (2020). With his diverse skill set, Bradley continues to captivate audiences with his performances and contribute to the creative landscape of the industry.