Dying to Win

When gymnast Jesse Wagner returns home she discovers her parents have been murdered, and the film concentrates on the hours and days that follow that discovery. Police detectives Maria Esposito and Marshall lead the investigation, interviewing Jesse, neighbors and people from her life while evidence and timelines are assembled. Public attention and rumor swirl, and Jesse copes with shock, suspicion and intrusive questions as friends and teammates become potential witnesses or sources of tension. The story sticks to the investigation and its emotional fallout, showing how one crime disrupts routines, exposes hidden strains in relationships, and forces those involved to reevaluate what they thought they knew, without revealing the case's resolution.

Dying to Win was released in 2022 as a made-for-TV thriller, directed by Jeff Hare and created by Andrea Shawcross. It stars Mia Dinoto, Jacob Taylor, Kinnik Sky, Marianne Lu, and Derek S. Orr in key roles.

The film did not receive major industry awards or prominent festival recognition. It has been discussed primarily in genre and streaming circles rather than awards season. Reviews and festival records do not list notable nominations, so its recognition has been limited to audience response and smaller outlets to date.

As a niche TV thriller, Dying to Win hasn't produced mainstream catchphrases or iconic scenes, but it attracted a small fan base among true crime and thriller viewers online. Conversations have focused on the opening sequence and the performances, with occasional social media threads comparing it to other home-invasion mysteries.

Critical reaction has been mixed, reflected by a modest 6.5/10 user vote based on few ratings. Reviewers noted its tense atmosphere, the focus on grief, trust and suspicion, and strong lead work by Mia Dinoto. Pacing and predictability drew the most criticism from reviewers and some streaming viewers online.