“To taking risks!” a group of four toasts at a dinner one pleasant evening. As glasses cling together, businessman Marco (Bob Celli) can’t help but notice his wife Joanna (Jennifer Plotzke) getting handsy with his good friend Jim (David Roberts). The pleasantries continue, and while Jim’s wife Beth (Melissa Joyner) seems oblivious, Marco remains vigilant about Joanna’s suspicious activities. A nerve-wracking psychological thriller from the mind of Bob Celli, Because I Love You is a spouse’s worst nightmare, unfolding before your very eyes.
Marco and Joanna seemingly have it all. Both Marco and Joanna maintain steady jobs and own a beautiful house, and their relationship is flourishing in every aspect. However, Marco’s days take a drastic turn when he starts to suspect signs of infidelity. Almost overnight, Joanna becomes closer to Jim. They touch hands, whisper amongst themselves, and exchange texts, to Marco’s obvious dismay. Days pass leading up to an important business trip, and the concerned husband’s mind snaps as one devastating scenario after another flashes before him.
Like all films of its genre, Because I Love You has a handful of big surprises lurking around the corner, and they land with a thunderous, if extreme, crescendo. The buildup, however, is nothing short of excruciating. Bob Celli’s tight direction pairs well with Director of Photography Ken Kotowski’s vibrant cinematography, creating a visual experience that emulates the late, great Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo. Celli phenomenally takes his character on a descent into total paranoia. Marco’s small glimpses turn into outright scrutiny of everything around him, to the point that he is unable to function at his workplace. Meanwhile, Jennifer Plotzke is both stunning and mysterious as Joanna, with her every action dubious enough to keep the guessing game going. Adding fuel to that fire is Roberts’ Jim, always within arms reach of Joanna, smiling and chuckling. On occasion, you might be led to believe that Marco is overreacting, while other times you wish he’d confront his wife about the questionable nature of her interactions with their friend.
Because I Love You finds writer/director and star Bob Celli pulling out all the stops alongside a stellar supporting cast, delivering a marriage crisis in gloriously tense fashion. Be on guard, nothing is as it appears to be. So sit back. . . and enjoy the ride.
