I don't really mean the title in a literal sense and not even in a bad sense. The movie was great and it would make you think a lot, hence the brain damage. Unless of course you like these types of movies.
Emily (Rooney Mara) is reunited with his husband Martin (Channing Tatum) who was imprisoned for four years due to insider trading. Hoping to start a new life with her husband does not go smoothly since for some unknown reason, she's going under depression and almost killed herself. Dr. Jonathan Banks (Jude Law), a psychiatrist, takes Emily under his care and prescribes anti-depressants but none of them seem to work at all. Dr. Banks visits Emily's former doctor (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and suggests that he give Emily a new drug called Ablixa. Dr. Banks, knowing Ablixa is still new and experimental, reluctantly allows Emily to take it after another suicide attempt. Miraculously, the drug works on her this time and she manages to live her life normally again with a minor side effect which is sleepwalking. The movie doesn't end there though since all hell breaks loose when Emily kills her husband while sleepwalking. Emily is confined to a mental hospital and not prison since she was not fully aware of her actions when she killed her wife. Dr. Banks career however starts to crumble since he was the one who prescribed the faulty drug to Emily. With his pride and name on the line, he investigates to know what went wrong and as he digs deeper, he finds himself in a bigger mess and the truth behind all the lies.
This movie reminds me of the medical thriller movie Contagion which was also directed by Steven Soderbergh. Both films are great in their own extraordinary way. Personally I couldn't really relate to the concept of the movie. We Filipinos don't really make use of anti-depressants that much since we are happy in nature and if we're depressed, family and friends are always there. On the bright side, I appreciate that Soderbergh introduces the culture of a country reliant on anti-depressant drugs when coping up with, of course, depression. Correct me if I'm wrong but that's one of the themes I saw in the movie; a country reliant on these types of drugs that they have an advertisement for it on television. The fact that I mention this means that here in my country, we don't have those types of ads.
Cultural differences aside, I really appreciate the build-up of the story. The first thirty minutes really shows Emily struggling with her depression. Very realistic and convincing. Rooney Mara's acting is so good that even her character, Emily, acts so well (you'll get what I mean when you watch it). Jude Law and Catherine Zeta-Jones also give stellar performances in this movie. The way they bring life to their characters is amazing. The characterization was well done. Each character had his/her own distinct and strong characteristic that leaves a huge first impression but this impression is constantly challenged as the film continues to unravel.
The story is very interesting and even has a Hitchcock vibe into it. A dramatic and thrilling build up followed by a twist and turn of events will keep you at the edge of your seat and keep you guessing as well. The first half is focused on Emily and her struggles from depression while the second half follows the struggles Dr. Banks on his quest to clear his name. There is an attachment from the viewer to the character as the characters struggle with the conflicts they have. You are no longer a mere viewer of the film; you are part of the film. The first half would make you sympathize with Emily as she goes through her depression and confinement and by the second half, you investigate and find clues with Dr. Banks as he tries to clear up his name. By the time the big surprise is revealed, the sense of accomplishment is not limited to the character but in you as well.
Soderbergh is really a great director. What I really love about him is his consistent and noticeable directing style. Having watched Behind the Candelabra and Side Effects in succession made me appreciate it more. You don't really need to see both films to notice it since watching one would already prove my point. The way he wants it edited and shot is very apparent. He does this jump cuts from one sequence to another which actually works. He sure knows how to make the audience remember him.
The cinematography is awesome as well. The simple use of depth of field gives a whole new meaning to a shot. I took notice of a scene in a cruise ship where Emily starts crying and goes out to the ship deck for a fresh air. The camera is still inside the party hall but pans through a transparent glass where we see Martin follow and comfort her and while this is happening, the reflection of the guests inside the room is seen on the transparent glass as they look at the couple outside. Genius, rather than having the camera outside and see the guests from the inside looking at them.
The musical score was eerie and mysterious, a perfect fit for a movie like this. Not over the top and domineering. Just right.
In conclusion, Side Effects is a great thriller film. May not exactly be for everyone since it requires a great load of patience and analytical skills. There may be a few dull moments but it's not really worth fretting over. Might not be a good idea to watch this when you're depressed though since it might give you ideas.
Rating: 3.5/5
