Stream It Or Skip It? (“Thief of Fate”

The Hallmark Channel brings its newest fantasy romance film trilogy to a close with the third and final installment, Providence Falls: Thief of Fate. After the first two films laid out a star-crossed love story between rookie detective Cora McLeod (Katie Stevens) and her partner on the force, Liam O’Connor (Lachlan Quarmby), Part 3 sees the pair try to avoid the result of their ill-fated first life together in 1840s Ireland that left Cora dead and Liam heartbroken in purgatory. In this fresh chance at life in the small town of Providence Falls, Liam does everything he can to secure a long and happy life for Cora, even if it means he can’t be a part of it, while Cora tries to get Liam to stop fighting their cosmic connection. Through it all, they attempt to solve a major murder and larceny case that offers surprising insights and ties to their past lives in Ireland. Is Thief of Fate a fitting conclusion to the strong series, or is this final film destined to not quite stick the landing?

The Gist: Providence Falls: Thief of Fate picks up after Part 2’s dramatic conclusion that saw Liam (Lachlan Quarmby) finally embrace his detective partner, Cora (Katie Stevens), in a passionate kiss after saving her from past flirtation and current criminal, Magnus Cartwright (Samer Salem). But when Cora wakes up in the hospital, she’s distraught to realize that Liam is nowhere to be found. Her father, former police chief James McLeod (Paul McGillion), is worried for her and urges Cora to take herself off the John Brady murder case, but the truth and justice-seeking rookie is determined to see things through.

Bad Place agent Bael (Niall Matter) continues to stir up trouble with Cora’s best friend, coffee shop owner Suzette (Felicia Simone), in his debt. It turns out that Suzette was a turn-of-the-century Paris cat burglar, who was plucked from purgatory and given a second chance at life in Providence Falls on the condition that she works with Bael to keep Cora and D.A. office lawyer Finn Walsh (Evan Roderick) apart. Liam, however, still thinks that Suzette is his ally in his own mission from angels Agon (Amitai Marmorstein) and Samael (Keegan Connor Tracy) to reunite reincarnated soulmates Cora and Finn to ensure that Cora can live a long, happy life while fulfilling her destiny to help others. Suzette grows increasingly conflicted about playing double agent, not only because she genuinely cares about Cora, but also due to her growing attraction to Finn.

Liam has yet again pulled back from Cora, but he’s a man on the brink, clearly desperate to tell her the truth about their shared past lives and ill-fated love, but unable to break the news due to the promise he made with his angel overseers. Cora can tell that Liam’s holding something big back, and her mounting frustration and confusion over the situation bleeds into the Brady murder and larceny case, which seems to be unraveling more and more by the day. With Bael suddenly stepping in as Magnus’s lawyer, the cop-turned-criminal gets off free, and yet, police Chief Boyd Thompson (Matty Finochio) doesn’t seem the least bit concerned about the crumbling investigation. Even in the face of these challenges, Cora tries to do things by the book, whereas Liam is willing to break the rules (and law) if it means helping Cora get a win.

In the midst of it all, Finn and Suzette continue to grow closer, fledgling angel Agon goes above and beyond to help Liam have a happy ending, and Cora keeps having strange, extremely realistic dreams featuring herself and Liam in 1840s Ireland. While their struggles and situations are different, they are all united in the realization that some rules are meant to be broken on the path towards true happiness. Are past mistakes truly meant to be repeated? Is it possible to fight fate? Can love change not only a person, but even their destiny? Providence Falls: Thief of Fate seeks to answer these questions and more in this epic final chapter.

What Movies Will It Remind You Of?: Any of the titles we’ve listed for Providence Falls Parts 1 and 2 will continue to be relevant for Part 3, too! So, whether you want afterlife-centric films and shows like Ghost, Defending Your Life, and The Good Place, or time-bending titles like About Time, Outlander, and The Way Home, any of these recs can help fill that Providence Falls-shaped hole in your heart!

Performance Worth Watching: Niall Matter seems to have a blast playing big bad Bael, and that makes us viewers have fun watching him rattle up our protagonists and leave chaos in his wake.

Memorable Dialogue: I had to laugh when Liam tried to appear nonchalant about Cora and Finn hanging out (you’re not fooling us, buddy!):

“You did. Good. You and Finn. Together. Dante’s. That’s nice, that’s good, good news.”

“Why are you always so weird about me and Finn?”

“No I’m not. I’m pleased. Yeah. You and Finn, that’s nice, together.”

Sex and Skin: None.

Our Take: Providence Falls: Thief of Fate begins with a quick and helpful recap of the past two movies, plus some slightly heavy exposition regarding the characters’ pasts and present situations, as well as the Brady murder case that acts as a driving force for action, suspense, and character development through all the movies. Some of the details of the investigation are likely to go in one ear and out the other (there’s some major info dumping), but that shouldn’t detract from your viewing experience, because it’s the romances and friendships that are the actual pillars of the movie.

Sure, some of the acting and lines are a bit cheesy. Sure, some of the plot points are tied up a little too neatly (or, on the flip side, left as inexplicable loose ends) at the movie’s conclusion. And sure, the last few scenes (namely, the big climax) feel a bit goofy and rushed. But honestly? That’s okay! Providence Falls: Thief of Fate has enough total charm, entertainment value, committed performances, and watchability to outweigh any lacking or awkward moments. Mostly, I just can’t help but leave feeling impressed with the creators of this trilogy for making original work that breaks several common Hallmark movie conventions and turns some of the usual tropes on their head. Hopefully, Providence Falls continues to serve as an example for how the platform can think outside the box, so we can see even more unique and engaging titles from them with each new year!

Our Call: Providence Falls: Thief of Fate may not be Earth-shattering or groundbreaking, but it does reshape the Hallmark mold in an interesting way, leaving you with an overall satisfying and entertaining viewing experience. It may not be the best standalone film (although with the recap and exposition, you could probably still watch it and get the gist of everything), but if you’ve watched Providence Falls Parts 1 and 2, Thief of Fate is a nice conclusion that sticks the landing with the story and characters it has built throughout the entire trilogy. STREAM IT!