What Happens in Miami movie storyline. Annalisa Cochrane as the pending murder victim vamps it to the hilt, continuing a cinematic tradition that goes back to Tuesday Weld in the 1960s. But, for casting directors of the future, Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut is the one to watch. Here she continues to take secondary roles and make them pop (like in Picard). By the halfway point of the film, it becomes clear to the viewer that she is the “glue” that still holds your attention.
While the title is What Happens in Miami and refers to the classic “What Happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”, this Tubi thriller could also have been titled “What Happens on Spring Break”. Of course, for the three friends in this movie, the events that unfold in Miami impact their lives back home as well. The group begins as four friends going on a wild spring break in Miami, but only three of them will go back home.
The fourth friend goes missing and the remaining three are the main suspects in the investigation following her disappearance. Not for any particular reason, so it’s a bit strange, but hey, that’s the plot.
The story plays out in the present, but we’re getting a lot of flashbacks to see what happened during spring break. It turns out that the girl who disappears, Autumn, isn’t much of a good friend. Having said that, I have to give credit to Annalisa Cochrane (Into the Dark: Pure) who portrays Autumn. Despite this story playing out over just one short spring break, we see her evolve from a kind and protective friend to a cruel and vindictive person.
Of course, her friends have always known both sides of her, but to us viewers, it’s like she changes before our very eyes. From a sweet and kind person to someone who physically becomes ugly due to her ugly actions. Extremely well done by Annalisa Cochrane.
You may also recognize Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut from Cruel Summer season 1 and though I didn’t recognize the remaining two friend actors (Rachel Leyco and Jada Elena), they delivered solid portrayals.
What Happens in Miami (2024)
Directed by: Tim Cruz
Starring: Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut, Annalisa Cochrane, Rachel Leyco, Jada Elena Wooten, Christopher Collins, Derek Roberts, Lauren O’Quinn, Zachary S. Williams, Stephie Torres, Karsun Barrett
Screenplay by: Jackie Logsted
Production Design by: Daniela Reiley
Cinematography by: Michael Street
Film Editing by: Brett Solem
Costume Design by: Natalia Marquez
Set Decoration by: Francisco Alfonzo
Music by: Alexander Bornstein
MPAA Rating: None.
Distributed by: Mubi
Release Date: June 8, 2024
