Side Effects

Emily (Rooney Mara) and her husband Martin (Channing Tatum) seem to have the world on a string, that is until Martin gets sent to prison for insider trading. Years apart from each other Emily develops a deep depression as she struggles to keep her life in balance. To fight this depression Emily and her various psychiatrists try different cocktails of antidepressants. As is common though, the side effects of each of the drugs seems to be more and more severe. Ultimately, when Martin comes home from prison Emily’s condition is enough to drive her to murder her own husband. This of course leads to an in depth investigation of all the doctors and drugs, which includes Emily’s primary psychiatrist Dr. Banks (Jude Law). At the risk of losing his license and other patients, Dr. Banks senses something isn’t right, but what is it? Solving Martin’s murder, clearing his own name, and finding truth in science all seem like tall orders, or are they?SideEffects-exclusive-lg Directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Scott Burns, this intense and tightly woven thriller falls nothing short of greatness. With pokes in the eye to the pharmaceutical industry, Wall street, advertising industry, and the “new” American way, no stone is left unturned in this dark satire. The ensemble serves up interesting and believable performances, that includes the previously unmentioned Catherine Zeta-Jones. Cinematography is compelling in a Soderbergh way, bringing us to the edge, so to speak; and, with a score from Thomas Newman, magic is almost guaranteed. One gripe, the film may end a little too “clean” for some. Worth your while, Side Effects is rated R.