✅ “A Husband to Die For: The Lisa Aguilar Story” (2025) is a compelling made-for-television crime thriller from Lifetime, inspired by the chilling true story of Lisa Aguilar. The film chronicles the harrowing journey of a pregnant woman who miraculously survives a brutal attack, only to discover that her assailant is someone she loves and trusts: her husband. The movie, which premiered on September 13, 2025, is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and a powerful portrayal of a woman’s fight for justice and survival. It delivers a narrative that is as heartbreaking as it is suspenseful, staying true to Lifetime’s signature “ripped from the headlines” style.
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A Husband to Die For: The Lisa Aguilar Story
Director: Colleen Rush
Writers: Walter Klenhard
Stars: Keana Bastidas, Jon McLaren, Cassandra Potenza
Country: United States of America, Canada
Genres: Drama, TV Movie
Languages: English
Overview: A pregnant woman learns her husband is cheating and doesn't want to be a father, pushing him to consider extreme actions to escape his obligations.
TMDb: View on TMDb
A Husband to Die For: The Lisa Aguilar Story (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-bollyflix.ist
Movie Details
- Full Name: A Husband to Die For: The Lisa Aguilar Story (2025)
- Language: English
- Budget: Not Publicly Disclosed (Lifetime Television Film)
- Revenue: Not Applicable (Television Movie)
- Runtime: 84 Minutes (1 Hour 24 Minutes)
- Release Date: September 13, 2025 (Worldwide on Lifetime)
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller, True Story
- Cast: Keana Lyn Bastidas, Jon McLaren, Marilu Henner, Cassandra Potenza, Matthew MacFadzean
- Directors: David Weaver, Colleen Rush
- Screenplay: Walter Klenhard
- Studios & Producers: Lifetime, 1Department Entertainment (Producers: Jameson Parker, Gemma Martini)
- Voice Cast: Not Applicable
- Animation & Style: Not Applicable
OFFICIAL IMAGES
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Image via Lifetime
Plot Summary
Inspired by a haunting true story, “A Husband to Die For: The Lisa Aguilar Story” follows the seemingly perfect life of Lisa Aguilar (Keana Lyn Bastidas), a newly married woman who is ecstatic to be expecting her first child with her loving husband, Darren (Jon McLaren). Their picture-perfect world begins to unravel when Lisa discovers Darren’s dark double life, which includes an affair with a younger woman. As the pressure mounts and the reality of fatherhood sets in, Darren makes a sinister choice to rid himself of his responsibilities. In a shocking act of violence, he disguises himself and brutally attacks Lisa in their own home, leaving her for dead. Miraculously, both Lisa and her unborn baby survive the horrific assault. As she begins her long and painful road to recovery, Lisa works with the police to identify her attacker. However, when the evidence begins to point to the one person she never thought possible—her own husband—Lisa is forced to confront a horrifying truth. With the unwavering support of her family, especially her grandmother (Marilu Henner), and a dedicated legal team, Lisa embarks on a courageous mission to not only protect her child but also to seek justice for the ultimate betrayal. The film masterfully builds suspense as Lisa pieces together the terrifying truth, culminating in a powerful story of survival, strength, and resilience.
Cast & Crew
The film’s emotional weight rests heavily on its cast, led by a compelling performance from Keana Lyn Bastidas as the courageous and resilient Lisa Aguilar. Known for her roles in “The Hardy Boys” and “Designated Survivor,” Bastidas brings a raw vulnerability and quiet strength to her portrayal, making her character’s traumatic journey all the more impactful. Her performance is central to the movie’s success, as she must navigate a range of emotions from naive love to utter devastation and, finally, steely determination. Jon McLaren takes on the challenging role of the duplicitous Darren, effectively conveying the sinister nature of his character. Their on-screen dynamic is unsettling and provides the necessary tension for the thriller. The cast is further elevated by the presence of veteran actress Marilu Henner as Lisa’s supportive grandmother. Henner, a five-time Golden Globe nominee, provides a grounding presence and a much-needed source of emotional strength for the protagonist. The film is co-directed by David Weaver and Colleen Rush, and the screenplay by Walter Klenhard, who together deliver a cohesive and suspenseful narrative that is true to the Lifetime format.
Critical & Audience Response
Having premiered on September 13, 2025, “A Husband to Die For: The Lisa Aguilar Story” has begun to receive initial reactions from its primary audience. As is typical for a Lifetime movie, formal critical reviews from major publications are limited. However, early viewer response on social media and fan forums has been largely positive. Audiences are praising the film for its gripping and suspenseful storyline that keeps them on the edge of their seats. The movie’s appeal lies in its “ripped from the headlines” nature, which adds a layer of chilling realism. Keana Lyn Bastidas’s performance is a frequent point of praise, with many viewers commending her ability to handle such a sensitive and demanding role with grace. The film is being hailed as a powerful and emotional watch that effectively captures the victim’s journey from betrayal to justice. While some may find the plot twists predictable, this is an accepted convention of the genre, and viewers are largely satisfied with the film’s emotional payoff and its message of resilience.
Direction & Cinematography
Co-directors David Weaver and Colleen Rush effectively craft a suspenseful and emotionally charged narrative. Their direction is focused on building tension and maintaining a sense of unease, which is crucial for a crime thriller. The pacing is tight, moving quickly through the initial setup to the shocking event and its aftermath. The directors skillfully handle the delicate subject matter with a focus on Lisa’s emotional journey rather than an over-the-top portrayal of violence. The cinematography is functional and effective, utilizing a style that is common for television movies, with clean shots and a clear focus on the characters’ expressions. The camera work effectively captures the emotional weight of each scene, from the initial moments of familial bliss to the tense confrontations and somber scenes of recovery. The visual aesthetic supports the narrative’s serious tone, ensuring that the audience remains invested in Lisa’s quest for truth and justice. The overall direction and cinematography work in tandem to deliver a compelling and well-told story that resonates with its intended audience.
Music & Background Score
The music and background score for “A Husband to Die For” are designed to be a key element in building suspense and emotional resonance. The score utilizes a combination of eerie, suspenseful tones during the thriller sequences and more somber, dramatic melodies during the emotional scenes. The music plays a vital role in signaling to the audience the mounting tension and the devastating reality of Lisa’s situation. It is not an overpowering score but one that subtly and effectively guides the viewer through the narrative’s highs and lows. The music is a classic example of a background score tailored for a television thriller, with its familiar use of tense strings and dramatic chords that create a sense of foreboding. While there are no prominent songs, the instrumental score is a consistent presence, enhancing the film’s emotional impact and ensuring that the tone remains serious and gripping throughout. The score successfully complements the narrative, making the viewer feel every step of Lisa’s painful journey.
Visuals & Special Effects
As a television movie based on a true story, “A Husband to Die For” relies on grounded visuals and practical effects rather than CGI-heavy sequences. The film’s visual style is straightforward and realistic, with a focus on authentic production design that creates a believable setting for the story. The special effects are minimal, primarily limited to makeup and prosthetics to depict the aftermath of the attack on the protagonist. These effects are used to enhance the realism of the situation and to drive home the horror of the event. The visual presentation is consistent with the Lifetime brand, offering a clean and polished look that does not distract from the central narrative. The use of lighting and set design effectively establishes the mood, transitioning from the warm and inviting tones of Lisa’s early life to a darker, more somber palette following the assault. The overall visual style is a testament to the film’s commitment to telling a powerful, true story in a direct and emotionally honest way, without the need for unnecessary visual spectacle.
Editing & Screenplay
The editing, handled with a keen eye for pacing, keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, ensuring that the tension never wanes. The film’s runtime is well-utilized, cutting out any unnecessary scenes to maintain focus on Lisa’s journey. The screenplay, written by Walter Klenhard, is the backbone of the film, providing a clear and compelling narrative based on a complex real-life event. The script successfully builds a portrait of a seemingly perfect life that is meticulously dismantled, revealing the dark secrets hidden beneath the surface. Klenhard’s writing allows the characters’ emotions to be front and center, with dialogue that is both authentic and dramatic. While some viewers may be familiar with the true story, the screenplay manages to introduce new layers of suspense and drama, particularly in the lead-up to the climax. The combination of tight editing and a well-structured screenplay results in a film that is both a thrilling crime story and a deeply moving drama about a woman’s unwavering courage in the face of unspeakable betrayal.
Positives / What Works
The film’s greatest strengths lie in its gripping true-story premise and the powerful, convincing performance by Keana Lyn Bastidas. The movie’s ability to maintain a high level of suspense and emotional tension is commendable, thanks to a well-structured screenplay and effective direction. The unwavering focus on Lisa’s emotional journey from victim to survivor makes the film deeply resonant and inspiring. The supporting cast, particularly Marilu Henner, provides solid performances that anchor the story. The film’s message of resilience and justice is a powerful one that resonates with audiences. Overall, it is a well-executed and emotionally impactful television thriller that lives up to the expectations of the “ripped from the headlines” genre.
Negatives / What Doesn’t Work
As is often the case with made-for-television movies, “A Husband to Die For” can be limited by its budget, which may affect its production quality compared to a major theatrical release. The plot, while compelling, may feel familiar to viewers who are already well-acquainted with Lifetime’s brand of true-crime thrillers. Some of the narrative beats and character developments, particularly for the antagonist, may feel somewhat rushed to fit within the movie’s limited runtime. The film’s focus on a serious and dark subject matter might also make it emotionally heavy for some viewers. However, these points are minor in the context of the film’s overall effectiveness as a TV movie, which is to tell a powerful and engaging story that will resonate with its audience.
Final Verdict / Conclusion
“A Husband to Die For: The Lisa Aguilar Story” is a powerful and emotionally gripping television film that successfully translates a real-life horror story into a compelling on-screen thriller. Anchored by a stellar performance from Keana Lyn Bastidas, the movie is a testament to resilience and a powerful message of hope and justice. While its familiar genre tropes and TV-movie limitations might be apparent, they do not detract from the film’s ability to engage and move its audience. For fans of true crime and dramatic thrillers, this film is a must-watch, offering a well-told story that is both shocking and inspiring. It is a welcome addition to the Lifetime lineup and a tribute to the real-life Lisa Aguilar’s incredible courage.
Movie Rating
| Rating Category | Score (Out of 5 Stars) |
| Plot & Storyline | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Acting & Performances | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Direction & Cinematography | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Music & Background Score | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall Entertainment Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Average Score | 3.6 / 5 |
OFFICIAL TRAILER
FAQs
Who plays the main character, Lisa Aguilar?
The role of Lisa Aguilar is played by actress Keana Lyn Bastidas.
Is this a movie or a TV series?
It is a made-for-television movie that premiered on the Lifetime network.
