Movie Review: Side Effects

A suspenseful thriller with political undertones would best describe Steven Soderbergh’s film, Side Effects. The film centers on psychiatrist Dr. Jonathan Banks (Jude Law) and his moral and legal dilemma after his patient Emily (Rooney Mara) has a severe and life changing reaction to a new anti-depressant that he prescribed for her. Dr. Banks finds himself in quite a predicament that costs him his family, job, and credibility following the aftermath of this incident. The natural question that arises is , who is to blame for the drug’s unthinkable side effects? Is it Dr. Banks? The troubled patient? Or is it the drug company itself for advertising to the general public about its newest offering without disclosing the drug’s severe side effects? As a member of the audience, I was unclear who to side with until Dr. Banks does some further digging to expose the truth and simultaneously build the movie’s suspense which ultimately leads to the proverbial surprise ending.

I have been waiting for a thriller like this to come along. Though it is slightly reminiscent of films past (think 1990s thriller, i.e. Final Analysis or Primal Fear) it is updated and very relevant in today’s society. Soderbergh’s modernized version integrates its ongoing political theme beautifully in a way that terrifies and provokes thought. In addition to the previously mentioned “blame game,” the film does a great job of illustrating our culture’s modern-day epidemic of treating illnesses symptomatically which results in the cyclical process of patients taking drugs to alleviate the side effects of the drug that was initially prescribed. It is a scary reality for a lot of people and Side Effects portrays this new reality in a dark and disturbing way. Normally when a movie commits the offense of changing narratives it can be irritating. However in Side Effects, the transition of the narrative of patient Emily in the beginning of the film to Dr. Banks in the middle and end of the film was flawless. This critic was very impressed by the stylistic choice and felt that it added to the movie’s drama and suspense.

For some reason, it has been my nature to underestimate Jude Law as an actor. I haven’t seen him in anything in a while where he shines as he does in Side Effects. He is a terrific lead actor with the ability to transform his character right before your eyes. He was a different version of his character from one scene to the next which showcased his talent and versatility. Also, an acting prize could be awarded to Rooney Mara who brings a certain vulnerability to her performance as a troubled patient, who is seemingly the guilty yet innocent bystander in the movie’s complicated plot. Additionally, Channing Tatum and Catherine Zeta-Jones give solid supporting performances as Emily’s husband and former psychiatrist respectively. Overall, the crucial elements of Side Effects create a synergy necessary to deliver an enjoyable film-going experience.