Review of TransSiberian (2008) by Jenny B — 08 Jan 2011

I have watched this movie twice now and I am even more convinced that this is one of the best little known and recent psychological thrillers out there. However, beyond that there is a deep symbolic and human story underneath the underlying tension of the story.

The movie is interesting in that this couple who are part of a church take a trip to Mongolia and then take the Transsiberian train. The wife is a recovering alcoholic/drug addict and the husband a straight laced "play it safe" Christian man.

Their relationship is struggling and part of it is her untamed wild streak. This crosses with another couple involved with transporting drugs. The underlying story of Jessie's struggle with her past and present as it intersects with her attraction to Carlos.

Thus, her murder of Carlos after almost sleeping with him and him possibly trying to rape her after is probably one of the most interesting symbolic events in a movie. As she is trying to piece together a faith from her crumbling former life she enters a crumbling church.

Here is where her flirtation with sin again interacts with Carlos' crazy ways to brew up murder, lies, deception, corruption, and violence. One sin leads to another. The movie has a cool ending as things are tried to be made right as much as possible.

Even in the midst of so much wrong. Grace is seen also in the couples relationship. There are many aspects of this film and not just a straight suspense thriller. Nevertheless, it still has it's suspense and it is a fun ride.

Pun intended.