Watch The Mystery of Natalie Wood

The Mystery of Natalie Wood is a made-for-television film that aired in 2004. It is a biographical movie that explores the life and mysterious death of the Hollywood actress Natalie Wood. This movie offers viewers a glimpse into the intriguing story of the actress's life and death, shedding new light on her final hours and the circumstances that led to her tragic death.

The movie opens with Natalie's early years, growing up in Hollywood as a child actor. The film gives viewers a sense of her initial success and fame, but also the emotional and physical abuse she experienced at the hands of her father. This sets the stage for the rest of the story, as Natalie strives to find true love and meaning in her life against a backdrop of Hollywood glamour and family instability.

The Mystery of Natalie Wood is well-cast, with Justine Waddell delivering a powerful performance as the eponymous actress. Her portrayal brings an authenticity and depth to the role, capturing the tension and complexity of a woman struggling to find her place in the world. Michael Weatherly plays Robert Wagner, Natalie's husband at the time of her death, with a certain charm and wit that belies the underlying currents of tension and jealousy in their relationship. Matthew Settle also turns in a strong performance as Warren Beatty, Natalie's ex-lover who serves as a counterpoint to Wagner's authority and menace.

The film is shot in a lush and evocative style, with a keen attention to the details of period Hollywood. Director Peter Bogdanovich uses the visual and musical cues of the time to capture the atmosphere and mood of the era, from the lavish parties to the smoky jazz clubs. The film moves at a brisk pace, carrying the viewer along through the twists and turns of Natalie's life and death.

One of the standout elements of The Mystery of Natalie Wood is its use of flashbacks and different perspectives to give viewers a sense of the multiple versions of events surrounding Natalie's death. The film presents a series of possible scenarios and motives for her death, ranging from accidental drowning to foul play, leaving the viewer to draw their own conclusions. This approach creates a sense of suspense and mystery throughout the film, as the viewer works to unravel the secrets behind Natalie's tragic fate.

Despite its dark subject matter, The Mystery of Natalie Wood also touches on themes of love, family, and resilience. Natalie's relationship with her mother, played by Alice Krige, is a touching and nuanced depiction of the complicated bonds between parent and child. Natalie's own struggles with mental illness and addiction also add a layer of complexity to her character, highlighting the challenges and stigma faced by those with these conditions.

Overall, The Mystery of Natalie Wood is a compelling and well-crafted biopic that offers a thoughtful and engaging look into the life of an iconic Hollywood star. With its strong performances, evocative visuals, and complex storytelling, it is a film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.