The story of the movie is adapted from a book named 'Tony And Susan' written by Austin Wright. The synopsis of the movie is basic and dreary; It is about a woman, Susan Morrow (Amy), who owns an art gallery, who receives a manuscript of a novel from her ex-husband, Edward (Jake). The title of the manuscript is 'Nocturnal Animals' and it is dedicated to Susan Morrow. Despite loving her first husband, she divorced him, and they haven't seen each other for 19 years. That manuscript came through the mail and there was a note attached to it telling that this story is unique, that it was motivated by her, and he is in town, so she can read the manuscript, critique it and discuss this in person if she wants.
Pretty normal right? Sounds boring? That is where you are wrong. It sounds boring because this is just the beginning of the movie. The actual plot starts when Susan starts reading the manuscript. The story of the manuscript starts with a family (Tony, Laura, and their daughter) driving in the middle of the night to West Texas. But on the road, they were assaulted by three men from another car. Then they kidnapped wife and daughter, leaving Tony clueless about their whereabouts. The story becomes more disturbing as Susan reads further, and she realizes that this story is also about her, which foreshadows her relationship with Edward and her tragic yet vicious past begins to unravel the mystery. She is frightened about how much of this story is based on them, which tampered with her morality and reality. The story continues with two parallel realities. One is about Susan, her surroundings, and her past, another one is about the story Susan is reading.
The thing that attracted me most about this movie is its unique storytelling. The metaphor behind every character and their decisions is very well described and well-acted as well. Especially, if you have watched the movie, you damn well know how intense and nerve-wracking the scene on the road was. I had to stop breathing for this scene. Honestly, this is a revenge thriller movie. You won't find a more satisfying ending than this one yet when the movie will end you sure would stare at the screen and begin to think about what just happened.
Then I must describe the stellar cast of this movie. Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Aaron, Michael Shannon, Isla Fisher have exceeded my expectations in every way. Amy Adams portrays a rich but sad, lonely woman who is not happy with her life. Jake played his novel character with such perfection. Michael Shannon and Aaron acted as they live through this personality. Isla Fisher is the perfect choice for her role in playing the mirror version of Amy Adams. Aaron's facial expressions of creepiness, rage, absence of feeling remorse are so good I cannot find a word to describe it. Aaron has won Golden Globe Awards in the supporting role category. But he didn't get nominated for an Oscar, which is beyond me. Although Michael Shannon did get nominated for his role portraying Bobby.
This is the 2nd feature film by Tom Ford. He purposely staged the last act of this movie for viewers to wonder why this has happened. I think this is why this movie is unique to everyone because everyone has their self-theory, different motives, and a different perspective about the conclusion. It is up to the audience to resolve. Tom Ford called Aaron because he thought Aaron's facial manifestations are suited for his maniacal role. And those who don't know, Tom Ford is a fashion designer. He has a lot to show us.
The cinematography of the movie is on another level. Nocturnal Animals was originally shot at California State. Most of the scene was shot at the Mojave Desert of California.
My rating for the film is beyond any number. This has been one of the decent thrillers in the past few years. I hope Tom Ford uses his talents to surprise us, excite us in a way we never desired for.
"When someone loves you, you have to be careful with it. You might never get it again."
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