Side Effects

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Side Effects
Starring Jude Law, Rooney Mara, Catherine Zeta Jones, Channing Tatum
Directed by Steven Soderbergh

Synopsis:
Emily Taylor (Rooney Mara) is suffering from severe depression, and has attempted to take her own life.  Her doctor, Jonathan Banks (Jude Law) prescribes a pill for her to take that will hopefully calm her down, but the effects of the drug sends Emily, Dr. Banks, and those around them spiraling into a world of death, deceit, and deception. 

Review:
"Side Effects" is a strange film, but not in a bad way.  It seemed like it was going to be a drug film where a corporate manufacturer would be seen as the bad guy, but instead it's a completely more intimate story about the main characters, and a surprise murder. 

We know who the killer is, and so does everyone else, but it's the manner of how the murder was committed that's the main focus of the film.  The story is compelling and it's delivered by four of the best actors in the business, at the hands of one of today's most prolific directors, Steven Soderbergh ("Ocean's Eleven," "Erin Brockovich," "Traffic").  It draws you in from the mysterious first scene to the shocking conclusion, and keeps you guessing to the very end.

Summary:
A great murder mystery film with compelling performances and a great story.

My Rating: A

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