Side Effects Review

 

Steven Soderbergh rarely disappoints.  I have to admit that I am very much a fan.  However, Side Effects was so off of what I expected this film to be it was insane.  I mean in-freaking-sane!  I’m not saying the movie was bad; it was well written, well acted, and well interpreted for the screen by the director.  That being said, it was kind of like being invited to a steak dinner and being served spaghetti.  Spaghetti is great; I have nothing against spaghetti; I was just expecting steak.

Trailers marketed Side Effects as a movie that exposed the hidden adverse “side effects” of anti-depressants specifically and prescription drugs in general, or so I thought.  The actual movie was nothing of the sort.  I thought I would walk in to my next appointment telling my doctor, “NO!!  I will NOT take this prescription!!!  I know the side effects!!  I saw the movie!”  I don’t think I can do that now.  In fact, I even want to rethink therapy.  All I can tell you without being a spoiler alert is that it’s a thrilling psychological who-done-it that will keep you guessing until the last minute.  

At the beginning of the film Rooney Mara is married to an incarcerated Channing Tatum and upon his release finds herself in the throws of a depressive state.  So much so, that she attempts a violent suicide and consequently undergoes treatment with Jude Law, an experienced psychiatrist with a wife and family of his own.

During Mara’s treatment Law consults with her previous psychiatrist, Catherine Zeta-Jones, to get to know his patient’s history better.  When Zeta-Jones recommends a particular medication to treat her previous patient, Law jumps at the suggestion.  Especially since other medications up to that point haven’t been working well for Mara, giving her annoying and scary “side effects.”  All of this seems very innocent but there is a spider’s web of deception being cleverly woven around this whole situation and everyone looks suspect. 

There.  That’s all I can say without telling you the plot.  If you want a good nail-biter this is your film.  In retrospect, maybe I’m more vexed at the trailer than Soderbergh.  Just remember to expect spaghetti.   Bring along some Parmesan.  

Rating- 3.75/5