Today’s quick review: Gone Girl. On the morning of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) comes home to find his wife Amy (Rosamund Pike) missing. Her disappearance sparks a media firestorm, and suspicion immediately falls on Nick, whose unnatural reactions only make the situation worse. As the pressure on Nick mounts, he maintains his innocence, even in the face of disturbing revelations about his marriage.
Gone Girl is a crime thriller and mystery about a man accused of murdering his wife. All of the clues point to Nick, from his rocky marriage to his odd behavior after his wife’s disappearance. But without any hard evidence for the police to use, his trial plays out in the court of public opinion. What follows is a dark and intricate thriller with a heavy psychological angle. Impressive performances and sharp twists make Gone Girl a compelling watch.
Gone Girl is, in part, a dissection of a failed marriage. Amy’s narration over a series of flashbacks tells the story of how she met and fell in love with Nick, only for their relationship to crumble over the next few years. The details of their marriage and the stresses that wore away at it are surprisingly realistic, giving the movie a sickening authenticity. At the same time, they fuel an unpredictable plot that has plenty of lurid spectacle.
Give Gone Girl a shot if you are looking for a cerebral thriller with a heavy tone. The dark nature of the story will not appeal to some viewers, but those who can stomach its disturbing events will find it to be a smart film with a lingering emotional impact. Those curious should give it a try. Steer clear if you are looking for a mystery with easier answers.
For a crime drama centered around a similar ambiguity, try A History of Violence. For a crime thriller in a similar vein, check out Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone, Changeling, or Primal Fear. For a psychological thriller with similar ideas, try Memento or The Secret Window. For a lighter take on a failed relationship, try 500 Days of Summer or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
8.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for a gripping and original plot.