Side Effects appeared in the
listings with next to no advertising. Luckily a very convincing trailer
had played in the cinema last week otherwise the film would have passed me by
completely.
PLOT: After her husband Martin (Channing Tatum) is
released from prison Emily (Rooney Mara) spirals into a deep depression. Emily agrees to take part in a clinical
trial for a new pill Ablixa by her doctor, Jonathan Banks (Jude Law) however once
on the medication she starts to suffer side effects which include sleep
walking. In her sleep walking state Emily
stabs and kills her husband and is sent to a mental institution. As Jonathan delves deeper into Emily’s medical
history he realises that her reaction to the medication is not at all what it
seems. END PLOT
Side Effects is a very slow paced
thriller but if you are prepared to settle in and allow the events to unfold you
will be rewarded. The twist is cleverly executed and I will confess that I did
not see it coming.
My main complaint in the
storytelling was perhaps the lack of ambiguity at the end of the film. There was nothing left to debate on the journey home as every plot thread had been neatly wrapped up.
Rooney Mara is excellent as the
tortured Emily and given the nature of the plot twist it makes her performance at
the beginning of the film stronger with hindsight.
Jude Law is the films true lead
and although he is very capable Mara steals every scene they are in together.
The most likeable actors in
Hollywood Channing Tatum and Catherine Zeta-Jones pop up in strong supporting
roles.
The cinematography was gorgeous
with the sweeping closing shot being one of the best moments in the film.
This is a ridiculously short review as the more I write the more inclined I am to spoil the film so I think it is best to quit while Iam ahead not behind.
This is a ridiculously short review as the more I write the more inclined I am to spoil the film so I think it is best to quit while I
I have never been able to call myself a fan of
Steven Soderberg but Side Effects proves that it’s time I seek out Soderberg’s
back catalogue. It is typical that the
film that makes me sit up and take notice of a director is
reportedly his last. Side Effects deserves
a 9/10 and is most definitely worth your time.
Wow, another very positive review! The trailer looked strange, but the critics all praised it.
ReplyDeleteHave no idea when this comes to Austria, but I sure will check it out.
I loved it - although I am really surprised by how much.
DeleteThe trailer appealed but I went into the film blind which really helped.
Rooney Mara is a brilliant actress who should be in more films
K :-)
I agree with everything you said: this was a really fantastic thriller. I'm not a massive Soderbergh-expert. I usualy avoid his comedies but I love his thrillers, and this is definitely his best thriller since Traffic.
DeleteThe cast as outstanding, especially Mara and Law. I was surprised by Zeta Jones who looked hot as fuck! Direction was awesome, I loved the movie's weird but unique style that often felt a bit documentary-like. Camera and music were also stunning, and the twist hit me like a hammer.
9/10 A proper review coming soon :)
Thanks for not spoiling the movie, I really want to see this and your review just makes me look forward to it more! The Mara sisters area really impressive!
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy it - such a good film.
DeleteThere is absolutely no action but it still very tense
Loved it!
K :-)