Love Crime is an indie true crime drama that delves into obsession, jealousy, and the tragic consequences of a destructive relationship. Directed by Nicole D’Angelo, who also stars as Jodi, the film loosely chronicles the infamous case of Jodi Arias and her murder of Travis Alexander, though it chooses a highly subjective lens: we see events largely through Jodi’s memories and perceptions rather than as a straightforward retelling. This approach gives the film a reflective, almost meditative quality, even if it sacrifices some factual clarity.
Nicole D’Angelo gives a committed performance as Jodi, portraying a woman tormented by inner demons and an obsessive love. Shane Ryan-Reid plays Travis, her aloof and tragic boyfriend, while Lisa London adds an unexpected charm to the supporting cast. The writing by Jamie Grefe leans into heightened drama and introspection, occasionally delivering lines that feel unintentionally poetic, such as “If truth is bitter, my coffee should be, too.” It’s a small detail, but it captures the film’s tendency to flirt with stylization over strict realism.
The movie is only about an hour long, which is both a strength and a weakness. On the one hand, it keeps the story brisk and focused on the emotional core of Jodi’s obsession. On the other hand, it leaves little room to explore the broader events of the crime or Travis’ perspective, and some viewers may find it frustratingly short—especially considering the real-life story’s shocking details. Certain liberties with the timeline and events, such as omitting critical aspects of the murder and investigation, may be off-putting for true crime purists. Still, the film never feels exploitative in the way many recent Lifetime-style productions do.
Visually and tonally, Love Crime balances a minimalist indie aesthetic with moments of unsettling intimacy. The film avoids gratuitous gore while hinting at the horror of the act, and the use of Jodi’s point-of-view framing keeps the tension personal rather than sensationalized. The result is a contemplative exploration of obsession, guilt, and self-delusion—an unusual but often compelling take on a familiar true crime narrative.
Ultimately, Love Crime is far from perfect. Its short runtime, loose adherence to the actual events, and indie-level production values make it a modest film. However, for viewers interested in psychological character studies and indie true crime interpretations, it provides an engaging, if imperfect, glimpse into the mind of a tragic figure. It’s a step above many quick-turnaround crime dramas, offering nuance where others deliver only sensationalism.
Verdict: A meditative, character-driven take on a notorious crime, Love Crime succeeds more as a psychological portrait than as a factual recounting—but for those willing to embrace its indie perspective, it’s worth the watch.
Jessie Hobson