Side Effects

Having already decided upon a perhaps premature retirement from film making, prestigious director Steven Soderbergh has released his 'last' film following his surprising 2012 hit, 'Magic Mike'. Side Effects follows the story of Emily (Rooney Mara) who due to her increasing depression following her husbands (Channing Tatum) return home from prison, is given a new drug to help cure her, little to her knowledge however the drug has unexpected side effects.

 Sustaining a high amount of intensity throughout the film, Side Effects proves to be a hugely enthralling drama concerning a subject matter which is both interesting and intelligent. With the background business of drugs being relatively illusive, by tackling this topic the film showed to be instantly engaging. This comes with thanks to the fantastic acting talent on board with Rooney Mara giving an excellent performance ( the best of the year so far) as a complex woman in disarray who is doctored by Mr Banks, played by Jude Law, who also gives a performance of similar credibility. As the plot continues and becomes entwined with one of a legal lawsuit, the story only becomes increasingly engrossing as realistic twists make the occurrences more complex than originally perceived.

 Side Effects never falls into being ridiculous despite coming dangerously close at times due to certain rushed and contrived events occurring in the films final act. Consistently 'upping itself' as the film progresses, Side Effects never becomes boring despite its bulky material and whilst perhaps you may have to stretch your imagination a little at the films conclusion, this doesn't prevent it from being a hugely enjoyable and surprising drama.

8.5/10- A gripping drama which delivers in spades.

Calum Russell