Nicole's Fight For Her Life

Bruce Von Stiers

Domestic abuse and domestic violence are issues that are not talked about enough. Even though there is information out in the public domain about how to combat these issues, rarely does a victim of domestic abuse and violence ever report it. Even though these acts that are perpetrated sometimes end in homicide. States such as Oklahoma even track annual domestic violence homicides.

There is a new film that goes straight to the heart of domestic abuse and domestic violence. The film is Finding Nicole and is about Nicole Beverly and the abuse she sustained by her husband.

The film starts with Nicole trying to fire a gun at a firing range. But she just can't do it. That sets the stage for how the story rolls out.

Nicole meets Warren after she completes a practice race. He gives her a bottle of water, introduces himself and asks her out. He doesn't take no for an answer.

The film moves forward in various year stages. A year after their introduction they are at a backyard party and the audience sees Warren apparently jealous at Nicole talking with a guy. But Nicole isn't aware of this. And at that point, Warren moving from being a police officer to a pharmaceutical rep. Later that night, Nicole gets a taste of the abuse that is to come later.

Along with scenes that chronicle Nicole and Warren's life together, there are courtroom scenes. Warren has been charged with numerous counts of abuse and violence against Nicole. Nicole recounts an act of violence where Warren kills a bird in front of their son. And how she didn't leave because she thought Warren would change and get better.

There are incidents of intimidation and outright violence. One incident where Nicole maces Warren ends with him sexually assaulting her. The cops are called but one of the responding officers is Warren's friend Bobby, who sides with Warren. This type of indifference and entirely ignoring what Warren is and has been doing permeates throughout the entire story.

Being in fear for her life, Nicole starts taking steps towards establishing a new identity. Especially after she finds out that Warren is attempting to hire someone to kill her and their two boys.

By the end of the film, there is some form of justice for Nicole.

Kaiti Wallen played Nicole. She has starred in well over twenty films, several of which I've had the opportunity to review. Those films include Beneath Us All and Ash and Bone.

Mari G. played Warren. His previous screen credits include Melanin and Good Thief.

Shawntay Dalon played Shonda Wright, the prosecutor in Warren's case. From appearing on Brooklyn Nine -Nine to multiple episodes of Good Trouble and a slew of other things, she has about fifty screen credits.

Sean Whalen played Warren's defense attorney. With more than one hundred fifty screen credits, he appeared in Beneath Us All and in over thirty episodes of the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful.

Richard Tyson played the judge in Warren's case. From Three O' Clock High to a film I recently reviewed, Final Recovery, he has over a hundred thirty film credits.

Blanca Blanco played Katarina, the leader of a support group who helped Nicole out. Her film credits include An Eye For Eye and Torch. Michael James Alexander played Baz, a jail inmate who testifies to the plot to kill Nicole. Pierre Aristide played Bobby, Warren's cop buddy. Marcus Woods played Bobby's partner, Griffin.

Vida Ghaffari played an NPR reporter. Alyssa Caswell played Nicole's sister Jessica. And Debra Lamb played Susan, Nicole's mom.

Other actors in the film were Jeffrey C. Berry, Aaron Noble, Shawn Jones, Tandreka Keaton, Dominique Alexander and Shelby Bradley.

The film was directed by Harley Wallen. He has directed over thirty films. I've reviewed a few of his films including Beneath Us All, Betrayed, The Devil's Left Hand and Final Recovery. He also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Nicole Beverly and Geoffrey D. Calhoun.

Sharing duties as Director of Photography were Nolan Rhys Elias and Steve MacLaren. Elias was the cinematographer of Final Recovery and Cupid's Christmas. A visual effects artist, MacLaren has also directed several films.

Finding Nicole was produced by Harley Wallen, Kaiti Wallen and Nicole Beverly. Joseph Williamson was the co-producer. The production company for the film was Painted Creek Productions.

The song Finding Me by Lexi Jones was used in the closing film credits. The song, which Lexi Jones also wrote, was inspired by Nicole Beverly and her book.

The film is based on the true story of Nicole Beverly and the book she wrote about her experiences. The producers spent quite a bit of time with Nicole to make sure that her story was seen as real and believable. I am sure that certain creative liberties were taken while crafting the screenplay, but the essence of Nicole's story is both heart wrenching and terrifying.

One of the main things that everyone involved with the film wants the audience to take away from it, is that there is hope for victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence.

In fact, Kaiti Wallen's message in an interview is that the film is about “spreading awareness and giving hope to the victims who have been through this.”

Finding Nicole is available on major streaming services including Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home

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© 2025 Bruce E Von Stiers