Nocturnal Animals Review (2016)

Nocturnal Animals

  I won't know until January, but I think I just watched the best film of the year. . . Nocturnal Animals is the story of Susan Morrow (Amy Adams), a successful artist who lives quite the lavish life with her husband (Armie Hammer). One week while her husband is away for work, she receives a novel in the mail written by her ex-husband (Jake Gyllenhaal). The film follows Susan's present life, her past life with her ex-husband, and the savage, violent story in the novel. 

  I'm going to talk about the acting first because Nocturnal Animals is full of some of the best acting I've ever seen from Amy Adams, Aaron-Taylor Johnson, and Michael Shannon.. Adams is nuanced and tragic, Johnson is terrifying and depraved, and Shannon breathes new life into the corrupt cop type.  

  Jake Gyllenhaal is my favorite actor of all time, which is why I'm talking about him last. With films like Nightcrawler, Prisoners, and Southpaw, it's hard to say this is his career defining performance. That said, it's right up there with the best. He brings everything to a role different from his usual. Here his character was more restrained, almost cowardly. It was cool to see this side to him.

  What I loved about this film most, is how captivating the complex script is. Every single shot is intentional, layered, and aesthetically pleasing. Every line of dialogue, purposeful.

  Nocturnal Animals is a mature, provocative film that treats the audience like adults. It doesn't hold your hand, it doesn't give you answers. It simply tells its story. A story that gets under your skin and stays with you long after you leave the theater. 10 out of 10 stars (A Must See)