Gone Girl (2014)

On the day of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne reports that his wife, Amy, has gone missing. Under pressure from the police and a growing media frenzy, Nick's portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble. Soon his lies, deceits and strange behavior have everyone asking the same dark question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife?

David Fincher, the master of this genre, delivers another gem. Gone Girl may very well be his most entertaining film. For a director who has given us such greats as Se7en, Fight Club, Zodiac, The Social Network, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, that's saying something. With wit and humor not typically displayed in his films, it adds another dimension to his signature style.

For an actor who has been so prominently portrayed in the media throughout his career, Ben Affleck proves to be perfect for the role of Nick Dunne. I admit, I had my doubts going in, but Fincher always seems to get the very best out of his actors, even when we do question them.

(Most notably Oscar nominated performances by Jesse Eisenberg in The Social Network and Rooney Mara in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo).

Affleck has the ability to maintain a certain level of innocence and likability yet he keeps us doubting him with each bad decision he continues to make. This complexity makes the film work so well since we ourselves start to question his true motives.

In a star making performance, Rosamund Pike delivers one of the darkest, most haunting performances in years, rivaling the likes of Natalie Portman in Black Swan and Kathy Bates in Misery. It's a performance that's sure to garner her some Oscar attention.

Throughout all the tension and suspense, Gone Girl also provides a dark and depressing look at marriage.

Craziness aside, Nick and Amy suffer from the same martial problems any of us might have. The film examines these issues of unfulfilled expectations as we see just how far someone might go when they are pushed the peak of desperation.

When things get tough, how much can two people really compromise to make things work? That's the essence of marriage, and essentially, that's the essence of this film.

Gone Girl is not your typical thriller. It's utterly complex in its storytelling as it presents itself as a classic mystery but hints at something deeper. Not only does it work as fascinating crime story, but it offers much more with its satirical take on the media, complex characters, and relevant themes.

Creepy, twisted, and completely fascinating, Gone Girl is one of the absolute best films of the year, one that will keep you thinking far after the credits roll.

(9/10)