The mystery refers to the circumstances surrounding Natalie Wood’s drowning, of which the last thirty minutes of the biopic is dedicated to. Preceding this prolonged death scene are two hours of a fairly competent biopic which is immeasurably lifted by the unique inclusion of filmed interviews with those who knew the late actress.

Significantly missing from the line-up of family, lovers, co-stars and childhood friends is Robert Wagner, who refused to cooperate with the author of the book that this biopic is partly based on. Though his character is not trashed to the extent it was in that book, he does nevertheless come across as insecure husband who is jealous of his wife’s success. However the character most harshly dealt with is Maria Gurdin, who is depicted as the stage-mother from hell. Not only does she actually pull the wings off a butterfly to get her daughter to cry on cue, Maria perpetuates many of the star's phobias, including a fear of dark water. 

The performances range from spot-on (Matthew Settle as Warren Beatty) to downright embarrassing (Sophie Monk as Marilyn Monroe). Perhaps the hardest co-star of Wood’s to portray was the frequently impersonated Christopher Walken. Though Malcolm Kennard half-attempts the familiar clipped speech pattern, he ultimately misses the mark.  

Original photos and footage of Natalie Wood shown throughout the biopic provide more of a glimpse into her romance with Wagner than depicted elsewhere in the film.