The Girl in the Attic Review

 

I grew up watching Lifetime movies—back when they were all about strong women overcoming impossible obstacles, rather than, well, some of the cheesier storylines they’ve been serving up lately. But The Girl in the Attic? This one brought me back.

It pulled me in with its tense, emotional buildup and kept me glued to the screen until the very end. Was some of it unbelievable? Absolutely. But let’s be honest, that’s part of the Lifetime charm. 

Tackling a harrowing story like this requires the right actors, and thankfully, they delivered. Kelly Sullivan shines as the determined mother, pulling off both vulnerability and resilience in a way that keeps you rooting for her. Meanwhile, Abbie Cobb plays Callie, the young woman trapped in a nightmare that feels all too real. Her performance captures the quiet horror of her situation, making every moment hit just a little harder.

Then there’s the villain of the piece—Kevin, played by Jake Thomas. You might remember him from his childhood Disney days, but here, he’s chilling. The controlling, manipulative presence he brings to the screen makes your skin crawl in the best way (Lifetime villains always have a special kind of evil, don’t they?).

There were definitely moments where I thought, Okay, that’s a little much, but honestly, that’s what I expect from Lifetime. This network thrives on dramatic storytelling, and this movie hits that sweet spot—enough realism to make it impactful, enough theatrics to keep it entertaining.

And the ending? Absolute poetic justice.

If you’re looking for something to throw on while you relax, The Girl in the Attic is a solid choice. It’s emotional, suspenseful, and just dramatic enough to remind you why Lifetime movies are still a guilty pleasure worth indulging in. I give this movie 3 out of 5 acorns.