Review of Side Effects (2013) by Rohit P — 28 Sep 2013

Side Effects delves into the clinical arena of mental illness, in this case depression and weaves an implausible yet riveting story. Channing Tatum and Rooney Mara play a couple whose lives have gone sideways after their marriage. While trying to get back on track the couple is dealt a devastating blow from the side effects of a new medication available to psychiatrists.

Jude Law plays the primary physician. It is through Law's character the story pivots and audiences will find themselves inside a well crafted genera thriller. Catherine Zeta-Jones plays the consulting physician to Law's character. She plays her character with a singular dimensionality and behind those icy cold eyes is a physician with a "God complex". The contrast in acting choices work in favour of the story. Rooney Mara's performance in the first half of the film is mesmerizing yet through the second half she never really sines through. That said, it seems like a challenging role to take on.

Soderbergh seems most concerned with storytelling in Side Effects although the film can be viewed as an allegory to our medical systems, practices and out belief or mistrust of the Pharmaceutical industry. However you view it, you may agree that it keeps you wrapped on the edge of you seat.