Alyssa Milano Is Back In ‘Brazen’ On Netflix

Milano is well known for her long-running appearance as Phoebe Halliwell on Charmed (1998–2006). She also appeared on Who’s the Boss?, My Name is Earl, and Romantically Challenged. Sam Page joins Milano as Ed, the neighbor-detective and love interest, who heads up the murder investigation into Miller’s sister’s death. He’s known for his appearances on House of Cards, Mad Men, Switched at Birth, and The Bold Type. 

I knew I recognized Emilie Ullerup (Kathleen, Grace’s sister), but I couldn’t remember where she’d appeared. She’s famous for her role as Bree O’Brien in Chesapeake Shores. She also took on the role of Julia Brynn on Battlestar Galactica. 

Setting The Stage for Brazen

Milano’s reading on the movie trailer draws us into the murder-thriller vibe of this crime drama, while introducing the characters: primarily Grace and her estranged sister, Kathleen (Emilie Ullerup). It also sets the stage for Kathleen’s double life as a teacher-dominatrix and the complicating factors involved. There’s a suggestion that the sisters’ relationship might have been almost idyllic if it weren’t for Kathleen’s soon-to-be-ex, and the depression, loss, and substance abuse that were all triggered by leaving him. There’s also a hint that Grace really wanted her sister to ask for help.  

In the trailer, Milano (Grace) appears to be reading from her latest novel, Brazen Virtue: “She didn’t expect to die that night. She had no enemies that she knew of. Her life was pretty unremarkable. And then it hit her. What if she had a secret life?” She says, “For some, the secret is a lot darker and a lot more dangerous.” 

Grace tells the detectives: “I know this is not one of my books, but I want to help out in this case. This is personal.” 

Rethinking the Roles of Women

It’s a thriller and Milano (Grace) already hinted that a “secret” life is involved. But, what a secret, double-life it is! Kathleen is a high-school teacher by day and a dominatrix performer by evening via paid webcam. Her sister, the famous novelist, knows nothing about her side gig, but she does know something about her struggles with substance abuse, depression, separation from her husband, and absence from her son. 

So, we have the teacher/dominatrix performer and the novelist/crime consultant (who incidentally also takes on the role as dominatrix-performer to bait the murderer). Together, they seem like they are on the cusp of something wonderful with their sisterly relationship. Instead, a serial killer cuts Kathleen’s life short, leaving Grace to pick up the pieces and find justice for her sister.

With Milano also taking on the role of Producer on this film, she says, “I loved shooting this movie. I loved the experience. I loved the freedom that Netflix allowed us and how it was so important for them to be authentic, and for this to be a good movie. I’m super proud of it.”

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