Melissa Joan Hart continues her long-standing partnership with Lifetime with upcoming thriller, Killing the Competition, which she executive produces with her company Hartbreak Films and stars in. Debuting March 1st @ 8PM/7c, the film is inspired by actual events of an overbearing mother who descends from meddling to menacing after her daughter is cut from the dance team of her own high school alma mater. In a desperate attempt to reclaim what she believes is rightfully theirs, she becomes involved in a shocking kidnapping plot.
In Killing the Competition, Melissa Joan Hart stars as Elizabeth Fenwick, a loving mother in her 40’s who continues to envision herself as the effortless star dancer and high school prom queen she once was. After returning to her hometown with her children and husband, Steve (Eddie Mills), Elizabeth sees her teenage daughter, Grace (Lily Brooks O’Briant), is poised to have the same vibrant life Elizabeth once cherished. She finds herself pouring all her unfulfilled ambitions into Grace as they prepare for the tryouts for the high school’s competitive dance team – the same team that once showcased Elizabeth’s brilliance. But, when Grace fails to make the team, Elizabeth’s world begins to unravel. Consumed by her frustration and disappointment, she channels her fury towards the school administration in a misguided attempt to remedy the situation. When her efforts backfire, Elizabeth grapples with the fallout and grows increasingly obsessed with Hannah (Valerie Loo), the true star of the dance team, and her mother Nicole (Anzu Lawson). Elizabeth’s misguided protective instincts become alarming and lead to a descent into dangerous territory fueled by her desperate need to reclaim the glory she once had.
Hart has also starred in, produced, and directed the following films for Lifetime:
The Bad Guardian (2024) – Starring Role
Would You Kill for Me? The Mary Bailey Story (2023)- Starring Role / Producer
Santa Bootcamp (2022) – Director / Producer
Mistletoe in Montana (2021) – Starring Role / Producer
Dear Christmas (2020) – Starring Role / Producer
Feliz NaviDAD (2020) – Director / Producer
Christmas Reservations (2019) – Starring Role / Producer
A Very Nutty Christmas (2018) – Starring Role / Producer
A Very Merry Toy Store – (2017) – Starring Role / Producer
The Watcher in the Woods (2017) – Director / Producer
The Santa Con (2014) – Starring Role / Director / Producer
Killing the Competition is produced by Allegheny Image Factory and Hartbreak Films Inc. with Jeffrey Tinnell, Robert Tinnell serving as producers and Melissa Joan Hart, Paula Hart, and Maritte Go serving as executive producers. Lee Gabiana directs from a script by Jane Espenson and Christina Welsh.
