Film: Side Effects

I like psychological thrillers. They keep me on the edge of my seat, but unlike some other genres, they don’t actually drop me off theside-effects lowest psychic edge. “Side Effects,” directed by Stephen Soderbergh (slated for semi-retirement) and due in theatres any day now, will definitely keep you wondering what’s going on. Reminiscent of “The Postman Always Rings Twice,” (but ha, with a different twist), you just don’t know who is pulling what strings until the very end.

The story involves a clinically depressed young woman, Emily Taylor (Rooney Mara), who seeks the help of a psychiatrist (Jude Law) and a boatload of prescription drugs. The film also stars Catherine Zeta-Jones as Emily’s previous therapist, and Channing Tatum as her oh-so-buff husband, so it’s not only a smart film, it’s pretty darn sexy at times.

It’s difficult to tell you much more without being a spoiler but suffice to say, it’s worth seeing. In fact I plan to see it again, but that’s partly to clear up some confusion. Such as a scene in which Law desperately seeks a character named Julia who is, as far as my husband and I can recall, never mentioned before or after the scene (in which he doesn’t find her). So there seem to be some casualties of the cutting-room floor but never mind, the terrific cast does an admirable job and there’s never a dull moment. And the ending is particularly satisfying, at least for some of the characters.

—Abigail Lewis

❋❋ If you liked this story you might also enjoy . . . ❋❋

~ Film: Cut Poison Burn
~ Film: Kumaré
~ Film: It’s a Girl