Nocturnal
Animals 3.2 ***
“Nocturnal
Animals” is an intense dark thriller. Right from the very start we are made to
feel uncomfortable, and I mean really uncomfortable. Picture, if you will,
images of completely naked and obese women moving rhythmically to a heavy beat
with various body parts moving simultaneously in different directions. They
resemble what could be described as artistically grotesque burlesque, all while
the opening credits are rolling in the background.
We are first introduced to Susan (Amy Adams), who is an artist who arranges art exhibits and galleries . She seems very confident and successful, but behind the public figure, her life is troubled. She then receives a novel named 'Nocturnal Animals' from her ex-husband whom she has not seen in 20 years, and this is where things get interesting. As she reads the novel, we experience the novel visually so we are getting a story within the story we are watching. Susan's ex-husband is Ed (Jake Gyllenhaal) who has never forgiven her for the divorce and other. Jake also portrays Tony, a character in the novel which is about a Mom, Dad and their daughter in the family car going on vacation. They are on a deserted highway late at night and are run off the road by three vicious hoodlums. The ensuing encounter and horrible outcome is so harrowing it is almost unwatchable, and from there the story becomes a fascinating and absorbing quest for justice or revenge if there is no justice to be had. As Susan continues to read it triggers flashbacks about her previous marriage for which a small flame still burns, and she begins to sense that the story may be a vengeful reminder of her own guilt and remorse for how she ended the marriage.
We are first introduced to Susan (Amy Adams), who is an artist who arranges art exhibits and galleries . She seems very confident and successful, but behind the public figure, her life is troubled. She then receives a novel named 'Nocturnal Animals' from her ex-husband whom she has not seen in 20 years, and this is where things get interesting. As she reads the novel, we experience the novel visually so we are getting a story within the story we are watching. Susan's ex-husband is Ed (Jake Gyllenhaal) who has never forgiven her for the divorce and other. Jake also portrays Tony, a character in the novel which is about a Mom, Dad and their daughter in the family car going on vacation. They are on a deserted highway late at night and are run off the road by three vicious hoodlums. The ensuing encounter and horrible outcome is so harrowing it is almost unwatchable, and from there the story becomes a fascinating and absorbing quest for justice or revenge if there is no justice to be had. As Susan continues to read it triggers flashbacks about her previous marriage for which a small flame still burns, and she begins to sense that the story may be a vengeful reminder of her own guilt and remorse for how she ended the marriage.
The
stories become entangled with each other and it all becomes very intense, and
that is how I would describe this film…. very intense.
As for the performances, the movie features a very impressive ensemble cast all at the top of their game. Amy Adams yet again proves why she's one of the most versatile actresses with a strong performance that combines personal assurance with the vulnerability of someone who knows they've made mistakes in their past. Adams is joined by Jake Gyllenhaal, who takes on dual roles yet again for this film. Gyllenhaal has really grown as an actor, particularly in the last five years, and it’s great to see him continue that in this film. The rest of the cast features a scene stealing Michael Shannon, who plays the detective in the book story along with an effective performance from Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who is truly vile as the villainous hoodlum
As for the performances, the movie features a very impressive ensemble cast all at the top of their game. Amy Adams yet again proves why she's one of the most versatile actresses with a strong performance that combines personal assurance with the vulnerability of someone who knows they've made mistakes in their past. Adams is joined by Jake Gyllenhaal, who takes on dual roles yet again for this film. Gyllenhaal has really grown as an actor, particularly in the last five years, and it’s great to see him continue that in this film. The rest of the cast features a scene stealing Michael Shannon, who plays the detective in the book story along with an effective performance from Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who is truly vile as the villainous hoodlum
This is one wicked
thrill ride…. a journey of dark emotions some of which you can’t help but
feel and carry out with you.
Rated R for violence,
menace, graphic nudity, and language
Clark
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