Finding Nicole does everything right. It is fun and flirty when it needs to be and completely captivating as a once in a lifetime love turns apocalyptic and absolutely harrowing, resulting in an independent film which - above everything else - is an empowering testament to survivors of domestic abuse.
Starring Kaiti Wallen, Mari G., and Shawntay Dalon, Finding Nicole has no trouble with its handling of the past and present, which sometimes is the downfall in these courtroom dramas. But here, handled expertly, there is a nice balancing act between Nicole (Wallen) and her now orange-clad jumpsuit wearing partner Warren (Mari G.) as they detail the rise and fall of a relationship which began in high school.
This is a tough movie to watch - especially as it details how a once vibrant relationship turns horrendous - but it is an important one to witness as filmmaker Harley Wallen details the true life events of Nicole Beverly, who watched her her high school sweetheart turn into an abusive husband slowly, with surreal violent jealousies. They start with insignificance, but - rather expectedly - they soon dovetail until the entire family - including their children.
It might begin with the death of a bird but the gaslighting grows until it reaches a breaking point and Warren is no longer trusted. And we see it all. Every gruelling moment is detailed by the script - which was taken from Nicole’s book and written for the screen by Harley Wallen and Geoffrey D. Calhoun - and shared with control by the actors involved.
Finding Nicole comes together with an earnestness which holds its audience in secure arms. Everything will be alright . . . eventually, but the heart-pounding tale of abuse is an old one. And it rings true here with a clarity of promise to be found in the escape.
Finding Nicole is an independent feature which gets its tone and its dedication to the light at the end of the tunnel absolutely correct. It is not to be missed.
MPAA Rating: Unrated.
Runtime: 90 mins
Director: Harley Wallen
Writer: Nicole Beverly; Geoffrey D. Calhoun; Harley Wallen
Cast: Sean Whalen; Richard Tyson; Shawntay Dalon
Genre: Drama | Crime
Tagline: A Harley Wallen Film
Memorable Movie Quote:
Distributor: Freestyle Digital Media
Official Site: https://www.freestyledigitalmedia.tv/film/finding-nicole/
Release Date: May 6, 2025
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: Based on the true-life story of Nicole Beverly as seen on "Inside Evil with Chris Cuomo," "Til Death Do Us Part," and the top-selling book with the same title. Nicole and her children survive and overcome domestic violence.
