Attraction proves problematic if not deadly in “Fairly Factor.” Those that’ve missed the steaminess of the height “erotic thriller” period as outlined by “9 1/2 Weeks,” “Fundamental Intuition” and so forth might discover some nostalgic pleasure on this slick if extra modest enterprise, with Alicia Silverstone as a middle-aged businesswoman who picks up attractive youthful Karl Glusman, solely to search out she’s acquired an obsessive stalker. 

Director Justin Kelly (“I Am Michael,” “JT Leroy”) and actor-turned-writer Jack Donnelly do an honest job setting issues up, soft-pedaling narrative clichés and delivering medium-grade, comparatively un-corny sexiness in a good-looking widescreen manufacturing. However the suspense mechanics by no means develop a lot momentum and regardless of stable performances, the script lacks adequate depth to work as a severe character drama. So this “Factor” finally ends up being forgettable, that destiny sealed by a weak fade-out. Nonetheless, it’s a diverting sufficient option to spend 90-odd minutes.

At some type of reception in a high-end Manhattan resort, visitor Sophie (Silverstone) claps eyes on cater waiter Elliot (Glusman), creating instant mutual frisson. Quickly many different physique components are additionally in communication. Although the wide-eyed server’s admitting “I can’t say I’ve executed something like this earlier than” casts him as awkward Benjamin Braddock stand-in to her assertive Mrs. Robinson, he’s apparently fairly a pure. Such that she impulsively invitations him to return alongside on a piece journey to Paris, the place he can see the sights when she’s busy in conferences. The remainder of the time, natch, they’re…um, busy with one another. It’s an exhilarating expertise for Elliot, whose life so far hasn’t strayed a lot past low-level odd jobs and the wants of his supportive however clingy invalid mom (Catherine Curtin), with whom he nonetheless lives. 

When he subsequently insists on taking Sophie out as a thank-you, it’s written throughout her bored face that his alternative of leisure, watering holes and associates are strictly newbie hour by her executive-class requirements. As dynamic as their sexual chemistry is, they in any other case have just about nothing in frequent. In any case, she isn’t searching for a relationship—she’s fortunately “married” to her profession, devising advertising campaigns for multinational pharmaceutical firms. As soon as it turns into clear that smitten Elliot can not settle for theirs is only a passing fling, she sends him a well mannered albeit agency thanks-for-the-memories goodbye textual content.

He doesn’t take it nicely. At this midpoint, you may count on “Fairly Factor” to go down acquainted paths of psychotic-jilted-lover vengeance. However no rabbits are boiled right here, and Donnelly appears reluctant to embrace melodrama on the similar time that he fails to offer the psychological detailing wanted to raise this story above inventory style expectations. 

We will perceive Sophie nicely sufficient in Silverstone’s professional efficiency: She is a lady with a wholesome sexual urge for food whose different wants are fulfilled on the skilled airplane, the place she’s pushed and authoritative. Whereas Elliot stays one thing of a cipher, a manchild whose amply displayed abs have extra definition than his character. Glusman is completely advantageous, however the writing leaves this determine an excessive amount of of a naif to look threatening or to be credible when Elliot one way or the other circumvents Sophie’s protecting limitations. (It’s by no means defined how he ultimately retains sneaking into her high-security residence.) Hardly ever does dialogue do a lot to deepen our understanding of the dramatic personae, arising largely within the heroine’s interactions with different ladies: Notably Tammy Blanchard in a single scene as Sophie’s sister, and Britne Oldford in one other as an acquaintance of Elliot’s that she consults for recommendation. 

The stakes do rise, as reprisals between the 2 intercourse buddies turned combatants develop extra antagonistic. Nonetheless, the movie fails to construct a lot pressure, its tempo remaining leisurely all through. There’s a kernel of a grounding concept right here, that as Sophie (who does some boxing coaching at a fitness center) turns into extra bodily violent in her rejection of an undesirable suitor, Elliot realizes he’s a nascent masochist enthralled by simply such punitive therapy. However that’s too poorly developed to hold a lot weight — not to mention to hold an ending on. Certainly, the closing notice right here feels so misguided, it reduces the entire to the extent of an over-extended anecdote, offering one thing extra within the league of a punchline than any actual decision.

Till that letdown, nevertheless, “Fairly Factor” within reason pleasurable, and classy inside seemingly restricted means. Matthew Klammer’s cinematography and the places chosen convey the type of magnificence an Common Joe like Elliot may be wowed by, significantly within the early Parisian stretch. Tim Kvasnosky’s unique rating affords a wordless vocal component that carries an echo of posh Nineteen Sixties European soundtracks. The intercourse scenes, too, show a combination of ardour and restraint (there’s just about no nudity) that’s extra tasteful than luridly hubba-hubba. 

Shout! Studios is releasing “Fairly Factor” to restricted U.S. theaters and on demand platforms on July 4.