The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

With films such as the Oscar-nominated drama, Erin Brokovich, and the super-hyped, Ocean’s Eleven trilogy, under his belt, one can almost be sure that a release that has Steven Soderbergh at the helm will not disappoint. For that reason, it’s pleasing to see the director – who has demonstrated exceptional eclecticism over the years – continues on form with latest feature, Side Effects.

The story follows Emily (Mara); a young, troubled New Yorker with a long history of depression. After her husband Martin (Tatum) is released from prison, following a four year sentence for insider trading, Emily struggles to adjust from her formerly opulent lifestyle,  to their new, normal life together. Her longstanding battle with anxiety and depression eventually gets the better of her and after a supposed suicide attempt, Emily lands in the care of up and coming psychiatrist, Dr. Jonathan Banks (Law).

Dr. Banks, with the assistance of Emily’s previous therapist, Dr. Victoria Siebert (Zeta-Jones), sets out to help Emily by putting her on a variety of mood-enhancing medication. However, when they all fail to make a positive difference in her progress, Banks agrees to prescribe Emily a new experimental drug called Ablixa, which results in some unwelcome side effects.

Like many of Soderbergh’s productions, Side Effects is a film that cannot be fully explained without being completely spoiled; so, the less it’s discussed, the better.

Written by Soderbergh’s frequent penning collaborator, Scott Z. Burns, the story is complex and reaches well beyond a mere exploration of modern society’s pill-popping habits. Side Effects’ triumph lies in the clever pacing. Against the backdrop of cold and clinical surroundings, each new twist and turn in the plot – and boy there are many – work in perfect harmony and with the sole purpose of developing the story further.  Soderbergh also indulges in subtleties which, if not paying close attention, might elude you.

While building the momentum is where Soderbergh shines best, one too many criss-crosses leave the plot a little too twisted towards the end, making the grand finale a bit contrived and calculated.

The driving force of the film is the prevailing brilliance of Ms. Mara herself.  Never overdone or overstated, she keeps herself behind a curtain of ominous gloom and her quiet and creepy presence is compelling. Law is remarkably convincing as the charming and sympathetic doctor and as Emily’s husband, Tatum shows that he is capable of being much more than just the hunky eye-candy.

Provocative, dark and enigmatic, Side Effects serves as a meaningful psychological thriller; one that is exceptionally interlaced and one that will keep you in its loop all the way until the end.  Good job, Mr. Soderbergh.