A gripping psychological drama about a college professor at Yale University, Alma Imhoff (Julia Roberts) who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a star student, Maggie Resnick (Ayo Edebiri) levels an accusation against one of Alma's colleagues, Hank Gibson (Andrew Garfield), and a dark secret from her own past threatens to come to light. Because of personalities and politics, the sexual assault accusation balloons into something as a threat from Maggie...or is it. The more Maggie confides to Alma, the more confused Alma becomes since Hank is a colleague and very good friend.
Others to round out the cast are Michael Stuhlbarg as Frederik Mendelssohn, Alma's husband, Chloe Sevigny as Dr. Kim Sayers, Lio Mehiel as Alex, David Leiber as Dean RJ Thomas, Thaddea Graham as Katie, Will Price as Arthur and Christine Dye as Patricia.
This was effectively directed with intensity and grit by Luca Guadagnino ("The Protagonists"'99, "Melissa P." '05, "I Am Love" '09, "A Bigger Splash" '15, Call Me by Your Name" '17, "Suspiria" '18, "Bones and All" '22, "Challengers" '24, "Queer" '24) plus other films, TV, shorts, music videos and videos. The slow build up with this story was gripping and definitely kept one on the edge of their seat. It was shot in a way where the characters were beginning to spiral as the story continued to unfold which is talented directing. It was written by Nora Garrett (Acting). Where the acting and directing was pivotal in this film, its downfall was within the writing. Certainly considering Garrett has no other writing experience under her belt, this was an amazing attempt at script writing. She's come from an acting world, which can be a help or a hindrance, however with this movie it was possibly the latter. The story's premise was intriguing, hence watching the trailer, but the inconsistencies were too numerous and it had a tendency to meander--possibly because it was a bit long-in-the-tooth. There were several subplots that were to be connected hopefully by films end. And there was a clock ticking sound at the beginning and another couple of times that were never explained--maybe they were self explanatory, not sure. Was this a total wash? No, of course not. The acting, especially by Julia Roberts and even Andrew Garfield were riveting, but not quite enough to save the writing. I believe this writer has promise--maybe she can start writing TV or shorts to hone her talent.
Certainly if you like thrillers and fine acting, you will probably enjoy this, but if tight screenwriting intrigues you more, this might miss. It was a bit disappointing considering how promising the trailer appeared, but with more work, the writer will surely improve.
Out of 4 Stars: 2.5 Rated: R 139mins.
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