Review of Nocturnal Animals (2016) by Wally W — 24 Mar 2017

This is a beautiful and challenging film from acclaimed designer Tom Ford. The cinematography and overall look of the film is stunning, which cinematography from Seamus McGarvey, and it really helps set the mood for the film.

There are essentially 2 stories playing out, with Jake Gyllenhaal in dual roles, one as the ex-husband of Amy Adams, and the other as the distraught husband and father of 2 women who have been kidnapped in the story within a story.

I think Ford does a nice job of alternating between the stories, and effectively ties everything together in the end. The supporting cast is excellent and includes Amy Adams, Isla Fisher, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and of course Michael Shannon who deservedly received and Oscar nomination for his performance.

This is a challenging film that won't appeal to everyone, I was challenged at times by the dark tone, but ultimately it is a rewarding experience that I suspect will get better with repeated viewings.

Check it out if you like your cinema to be original, challenging and different, an antidote to the super-hero films, remakes, and sequels that many people like to complain about.