In what he is calling his final film, Steven Soderbergh (“Contagion”) is able to once again diagnose an irrational fear surrounding the medical industry, this time circling in on the mental health debate in “Side Effects.” The film is nothing like what you see in the previews and will have you questioning the true depths of insanity.
The movie is a thrilling whodunit with a twist; there is no question as to who committed the crime but rather who is the real victim. Just when you think you have put the pieces together, Soderbergh throws in another surprising turn.
The film is lead by a great ensemble cast including Rooney Mara (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”), Channing Tatum (“Magic Mike”) and Jude Law (“Anna Karenina”). Mara continues to prove how good she is at playing crazy; it’s just so natural for her. She stars as Emily Taylor, a woman who is struggling with being a loving and stable wife after her husband, Martin (Tatum), is released from prison. After dealing with depression for years, Emily attempts suicide. Dr. Banks (Law) becomes her doctor and prescribes her a new drug, Ablixa.
What unfolds in the duration of the film is jaw-dropping and crafty on Soderbergh’s part, very Hitchcock-esque. All of the characters become entangled in a deceptive and paranoid web of lies and motive. You have to keep up throughout the entire film, and the ultimate truth isn’t revealed until the last five minutes.
However, it has solidified itself as the first real thriller of the year, and Soderbergh is going out with a bang.
Dive Verdict: ?????
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