Review of Nocturnal Animals (2016) by Iain M — 06 Dec 2016

Seven years after his 2009 debut, A Single Man, fashion designer Tom Ford's second foray into cinema is an intelligent, pitch black, twisted thriller that could have easily come from a more experienced, not to mention prolific, writer-director.

Adapted from Austin Wright's 1993 novel Tony and Susan, it tells the story of Susan (Amy Adams) a LA gallery owner who unexpectedly receives the transcript of a novel, Nocturnal Animals, from her ex-husband Edward (Jake Gyllenhaal) that he's dedicated to her. What starts as a quick skim turns into a must read.

From here Ford creates a dual narrative - that of the reader and of the book. The first is Susan reflecting on their relationship as she reads the book over several sittings. Meanwhile the book is part road movie, part invasion story. The novel follows a decent family man, Tom (also played by Gyllenhaal), whose wife (Isla Fisher is subtly substituted for Adams) and daughter are kidnapped by rednecks whilst driving late at night through Texas. With the help of a local detective Bobby Andres (Michael Shannon) he discovers the shocking truth of what happened to his family. From here the story becomes a mediation on brutal frontier justice and bloody revenge.

Ford's sophomore work is a typically stylish thriller noir (exquisitely shot by Seamus McGarvey) of shocking intimacy and gripping tension that explores the thin lines between love and cruelty, and revenge and redemption. As the two stories interweave, he shows astonishing dexterity switching effortlessly from Susan's sterile city life to the badlands of Texas.

Adams at the moment can't do any wrong and could be on course for not one but two Oscar nominations, one for Arrival and one for this riveting performance. Gyllenhaal puts in another fine performance and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who plays Ray the psychotic leader of the gang of murderous hillbillies, is scarily unpredictable and vile. But it is Shannon, brilliant as the stoic cowboy detective, who is most likely to find himself up for an award for best supporting actor.

Superbly acted and beautiful to look at Ford's skilful psychodrama is one of the best films of the year.