Undercurrent (1946)
8/10
Pretty Good
13 August 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Upon first viewing, Undercurrent is an unexpected treat, commanding full attention for almost 2 hours. Hepburn in the role of Ann, manipulated, insecure, feeling under-dressed and overwhelmed at a social event, terrified and claustrophobic as her new husband's character is revealed, is not to be missed. As others have noted, the plot has "Rebecca-esque" qualities, but a character completely its own.

Taylor's tormented Alan is also perfect, darkly ruminating and possessive, always on the edge of losing control, driven mad by his wife's interest in his hated and absent brother, and jealously afraid of losing her love.

While the ending is somewhat predictable, the plot also amazes, as it progressively reveals a person not present (for example, using the rebound book of prose with the underlined Robert Louis Stevenson poem, innocently quoted by Ann, believing it to be her husband's) and destroys the covetous, deceitful and murderous Alan.
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