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Mistrust

Mistrust

201890 minTV-14Midcredits score: 48th percentile of all films
Director
Shane Stanley
Starring
Jane Seymour, Nia Peeples, Parker Stevenson, Ellen Travolta

Happy, beautiful and independent, Veronica enjoys being a mistress. No commitment, no strings and she never has to be vulnerable. She has carefully laid every brick in the walls of the fortress surrounding her heart. She's safe and having a great time. However, there is one person who knew her heart before those walls were erected, her best friend Brandon, who has stood by her for too many years to count. And while Veronica has tried to keep her feelings at bay, he is the one who holds the key that opens her Pandora's box of emotions.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Mistrust?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Mistrust streaming on Prime Video and Tubi (free).

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Mistrust?

Mistrust earns 3 badges, led by Preferred by US Viewers and Bittersweet.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Mistrust worth watching?

Mistrust's Midcredits score is the 48th percentile of all films, from 1.1K ratings across 3 sources. 67% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

48th percentile

Better received than 48% of films

46th percentile among Drama48th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)20th
Approval (how many liked it)75th

51 /100

20th percentile of all films

15th percentile among Drama22nd percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

Big peaks at both ends — people either love this or bounce off it hard.

Approval

How many liked it

67% liked it

75th percentile of all films

77th percentile among Drama76th percentile among 2010s
67% rated it 7–1033% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

47th percentile

1.1K ratings across platforms

50th percentile among Drama51st percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 36% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film centers on a woman who chooses to be a serial mistress and explores her relationships, but opinions diverge on whether that premise is empowering or morally hollow.

Fans praised

  • thought-provoking take on female independence and non-traditional relationships
  • Jane Seymour's natural performance and age-appropriate casting
  • believable emotional arc between the two leads

Detractors panned

  • weak, clichéd plot driven by logical arguments rather than character motivation
  • unsympathetic protagonist whose actions lack moral rationale
  • stilted dialogue that feels whiny and self-pitying

What stands out

ActingDivisive55

polarized: fans praise Jane Seymour's naturalism, detractors find her unconvincing and male lead wooden

OriginalityDivisive50

premise of serial mistress played as rom-drama seen as fresh by fans, formulaic by detractors

PacingDivisive40

some find it slow; others note it drags

Emotional impactDivisive35

fans find it thought-provoking; detractors feel no investment

CharactersDivisive30

protagonist seen as uncompelling, poorly motivated, lacking dignity

Ending30

final romance felt forced, built on character lies

Plot and storyDivisive25

criticized as clichéd, predictable, driven by talky arguments

Dialogue25

described as nonsensical, whiny, self-pitying

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 14 points higher than men.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 70 points higher than non-US viewers.

Watch experience

What is Mistrust like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and bittersweet: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a story that moves you and leaves an ache.

It takes its time and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience.

What it feels like

Moving and bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: Moods
MelancholicRomanticContemplative
Heaviest: late
Register
Tender · 13% of filmsWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its protagonist's emotional dilemma with earnest sincerity, exploring her isolation and romantic tension without irony or self-mockery.
The rideThe film's emotional core builds around Veronica's internal conflict, with reviews suggesting a slow-burn feel and a climactic emotional resolution near the end.
StructureThe story unfolds in a conventional chronological order without nonlinear or framing devices.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: BittersweetThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a bittersweet reflection on the cost of emotional walls and the possibility of love later in life, provoking thought about commitment and vulnerability.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).RebirthHealing
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeVeronica's emotional walls, built to avoid vulnerability, are tested by her friendship with Brandon, leading to a potential healing of past wounds and acceptance of love.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfRomanticlove
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% (this title) · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% (this title) · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Romantic love · 15% of filmsIsolation · 5% of filmsSelf-worth · 7% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores Veronica's fear of emotional intimacy versus the possibility of a genuine romantic connection with her best friend.
StanceThe film questions whether Veronica's chosen lifestyle of emotional detachment is truly fulfilling, focusing on her personal journey.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Matt Brown
SettingAn upscale contemporary American city, likely with luxurious homes and social scenes.
MusicThe score likely underscores the romantic and melancholic tones of the film.

Content guide

Is Mistrust okay for kids?

Ratings in 1 other country
  • Germany12

No detailed content scores for this title yet.

What content warnings does Mistrust have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Mistrust?

Cast

Jane Seymour
as Veronica Malloy
Nia Peeples
as Kristen Rhodes
Parker Stevenson
as Brandon McKellan
Ellen Travolta
as Margie
William Shockley
as Adam Ross
Ian Ogilvy
as Ian
Patrick Bristow
as Trent Masterson
Jack Bannon
as Nathan Dobier
Joel Brooks
as Steve Masterson
Katherine Flynn
as Young Veronica

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Mistrust?

Movies like Mistrust include Little Manhattan (2005), Crazy/Beautiful (2001) and Hampstead (2017). Of the 6 closest matches, most are stories of healing, and all are films about romantic love.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 6 share its character type: friends-to-lovers. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Mistrust?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: friends to lovers. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.