In the realm of literary masterpieces, the psychological thriller “If We Were Villains,” a novel by M.L. Rio, is the most well-crafted story about college theater students I have ever read. It has a similar storyline to “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt; both are about college students going insane from societal pressures. A plot has never been more satisfying.
The question that lies ahead is: How can this haunting story explore the blurred lines between reality and performance?
“If We Were Villains” is about a group of theater students who attend a prestigious college where a murder takes place within the friend group. Rio’s deft narrative hand transforms each chapter into a dramatic act, leaving readers on the edge of their seat as they navigate the complexities of friendship and rivalry and the consequences of unbridled ambition.
Rio’s storytelling draws readers into the world of these theater students, often blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
The novel’s structure, reminiscent of a play, adds a unique layer to the narrative. The plot creates tension and causes readers to react to how realistic the pressures can be in the theater world.
As an ex-theater kid, reading the novel and understanding the stress of being a performer made the madness that plays out in the story understandable and palpable.
Each character is brilliantly crafted, embodying a Shakespearean archetype, which makes the story even more fascinating. What makes Rio’s characters so special is that she gives every character a “fatal flaw.” Every character in the story has their own archetype, despite all of them having their own part in being a villain.
When reading through the parts about the victim and characters getting into each other’s heads, the emotions can often feel very deep.
The result is that the narrative becomes extremely authentic, with characters whose experiences are so emotional that it can feel relatable at times, even though the heroes eventually become villains.
Out of all characters, the one that stands out the most is the main character, Oliver, who acts as a pillar of loyalty within the group of friends. His attempt at trying to save everyone else in the friend group is a relief, as far as having faith in humanity.
Through its portrayal of ambition and the consequences of unchecked passion, the novel mirrors a “whodunit” play, which can offer a fantastic analysis into the psychology of this story.
Paying homage to the Bard, “If We Were Villains” stands on its own as a captivating and thought-provoking work.
Rio’s debut novel is a triumph—a literary performance that seamlessly combines the attraction and charm of Shakespeare with the dark twist of a psychological thriller, leaving readers both compelled and contemplative.
As readers witness the characters struggle with the understanding that consequences have actions, they are left to answer the eternal question: are we the heroes or the villains in our own stories?
Dalila Ben is a junior majoring in English literature and minoring in classical studies.
