Side Effects Review
Side Effects is a great thriller, although one that I was admittedly expecting. When Soderbergh is at the helm it is standard practise to expect something that has thought and care put into it, and this film continues the trend.
Side Effects manages the controversial themes of the American medical industry, mental health and suicide in a stylish package that is well thought out and directed. The narrative twists and turns and essentially revolves around a murder, which is then investigated and the murderer trialled. While this may sound like a standard episode of CSI, Side Effects manages to make the subject a lot more interesting with the use of some great unexpected plot twists and some brilliant characters.
The performances in the film are spot on, with the 4 main characters (Law, Mara, Jones and Tatum) all pulling off exciting roles, using their skills to the best of their ability. The standout performance has to be Rooney Mara, who's previous role in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo proves that she is a force of magnificent talent in the film industry. She manages to create a sense of foreboding, a sense of creepy unease that only gets stronger as the film progresses. The direction is again solid, with Soderbergh's usual glossy and stylish visuals merged with a more indie kind of cinematography. He also has a lot of things to say about the medical industry in Side Effects, dealing with very similar themes in 2011's Contagion, the commentary is however no less engaging.
I only had one real gripe with the film, and that was the final quarter, while the film had me hooked for the first three quarters, the final act I found was somewhat underwhelming, and lacked the sense of excitement and mystery that the rest of the film has.
In any case, if you're looking for a stylish Hitchcock-like thriller with a few excellent plot twists that will keep you guessing, along with solid performances and an assured direction, Side Effects is for you.
8/10
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