My favorite thing about the horror and science fiction genres is that there are many interpretations of the two. A lot can be done, while still falling under the title of either genre. Slashers, monsters, aliens, and doppelgangers are things you’d find in these films and all would be accepted without question by the purest fans. One example of how diverse these universes can be is Denis Villeneuve’s psychological sci-fi film, Enemy.
Adam Bell (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a college professor who sees an image of himself in a movie that was recommended to him by a colleague. After seeing this, Adam becomes obsessed with figuring out who this double is. When the lives of Adam and the actor in the film, Anthony Claire, merge, individuals are tested and relationships are strained.
I’ve always loved Jake Gyllenhaal’s work. From Donnie Darko to his more recent work in End of Watch and Prisoners, it is clear to see that he is an outstanding actor and it doesn’t take a genius to know that everything he does is going to be fantastic. His performance as not only one, but two characters in Enemy is no exception. The cast is very small, but with the likes on Mélanie Laurent (Inglourious Basterds), Isabella Rossellini (Blue Velvet), and Sarah Gadon (Antiviral), alongside Gyllenhaal, everyone delivers amazing performances.
Enemy is not a blood and guts show, but a thought-provoking thriller. It is full of surreal imagery, which will confuse some and attract others. I’m not one for films of this nature normally, but I really did enjoy this film.
If you’re into sci-fi films that are out-of-the-norm and delve into things more deeply than just alien abductions and time travel, be sure to check out Enemy. Look for the DVD and Blu-ray, when Lionsgate officially releases it next Tuesday, June 24.
I give it 3.5 giant tarantulas out of 5.
Sounds very interesting