Unfaithful.

This movie was all kinds of effed up and crazy which is why I never get tired of watching it. As you can guess the plot circles around the topic of infidelity and the consequences of it. What I really liked about this movie was it's simplicity. Some may argue that such does not exist in the film but to me it does. Unlike other countless movies about cheating this is one of the very few that tells a story as "one version" and not what happens in EVERY relationship when one person loses interest or goes  astray.

The story is a simple one. Connie Sumner seems to have it all. A loving and hardworking husband, a great son, a beautiful home even a housekeeper and a dog. But even though there is the illusion of  perfection, there is still a lack of intimacy between her and her husband due to their busy schedules. 

Yet Connie never seems to complain, after all having a family is hard work and sometimes you must roll with punches. She was never one to go searching for answers or fulfillment but it suddenly bumps into her on a windy day. And as faith would have it she pursues it.  

While running errands in the city Connie gets caught in a windstorm where meets the very handsome Paul who offers to help her until the storm subsides. One could see that there is a bit of tension between the two but it seems to be nothing more than playful. Paul however, is more forward but Connie being the woman she is tries to get out of there a soon as possible.

When she gets home, she tells her husband about her adventure and they laugh about it which is supposed to mark the end of it. Connie however, seems enticed by the small meeting and thinks about seeing Paul again. Before you know it she's in his apartment again, then on his bed and then him on her.

What I really love about this film is the use of sound. I swear, this movie was intense from beginning to end even if there was nothing to be in suspense about. I personally feel as if there was more surrounding sounds than actual words- which is brilliant in my mind. The beauty of it all is the fact that you the viewer can think about what's going on rather than be told. The subtle expressions on the characters' face, their body language their beings allow you to experience the affair and the aftermath, which is pretty cool. 

Connie is the type of woman who knows she's beautiful but doesn't flaunt it but with Paul's interference in her life we can see a change. I really appreciate the tranquility of it all. It's not in your face and loud, which allows us to analyse the events that unfold.

 There's not much left to say (because then I'll just spoil the rest of it) except that everything takes an unlikely turn. There is drama, stress and struggle to fix something that is often unfixable. But the more important question is whether everyone can part from the mess Connie indulged in without getting hurt?

After all in the words of the great Paul, "There is no such thing as a mistake...there is what you do and what you don't do."

Every Secret Thing.

This film is based on a novel of the same name by author Laura Lippman. Honestly, I initially wanted to watch this movie for the sole purpose of Dakota Fanning being in it- I've always been a huge DF fan. But I soon realised that this film wasn't anywhere near what I expected. 

This thriller is about the frantic search for a missing child and the horrific events that unravel during the investigation. I'm not all that excited about crime stories because I find the process to be long and uninteresting especially when portrayed in a movie. But just like "The Lovely Bones" the focus is fixed on the people involved and clues are unveiled by the lives they live. So it feels like you the reviewer, is putting the pieces together yourself.

The investigation revolves around two teenagers, Ronnie Fuller and Alice Manning who return to their hometown after being held for the abduction and death of a baby some years before. However, it just so happens that after the girls are released, another child goes missing once again. 

Nancy Potter, who is one of the lead investigators on the case is already haunted by the reality that the previous child did not survive. So imagine the pain she must feel knowing the same thing could happen again. 

The parents of the now missing child may not seem like good folks at first glance but you know that they would never hurt a hair on their little girl's head. And although, it may seem unlikely that Ronnie and Alice would be guilty and somewhat stupid enough to do this again, they become the prime suspects once more. 

This film is simple yet so complex due to the characters and the secrets they possess. It shows both present and past events which consists of hatred, blame, struggle and pain. It shows the complexity of each female character who do not fit the norm. 

I would love to say my favourite actor in this film is Dakota- I really love that girl! But in all honesty the character of "Alice" had held my attention more. Danielle MacDonald really killed this role especially since she gave me mixed feelings about her. 

I really wanted to like her but at the same time I didn't. I wanted her to be locked up forever but I also wished people would understand her. She has such a sick mind through no fault of hers and yet her mother pays more attention to Ronnie- who wasn't even her kid. This shows us that not fitting the societal perception of acceptance makes it even more difficult to feel loved. 

If you watch this film carefully you will observe an occurring pattern from just one person who is responsible for everything that happens- and they might not even be aware of it. 

So there's nothing left for me to say (before I sell out the entire thing) but sit back, relax and solve the mystery. I promise you'll be in awe after you find out what really happened on that fateful day.

The Lovely Bones.

"My name is Salmon, like the fish; first name Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered, on December 6th, 1973."

This movie is very dear to my heart. I've watched it a million times and I still cry everytime. It is based on beautiful novel (that I am still longing to read) and from the reviews I've read, it seems as though many think the movie compliments the mood of the book quite well. 

The story speaks of a young girl called Susie Salmon who one day on her way home from school, is lured by her creepy neighbour who rapes and murders her. He then grotesquely disposes of her body when he is finished.

Now, wait a minute! I know you're probably rolling your eyes thinking this is just another film about "finding the killer". But while this may be true, Susie's spirit hasn't completely left earth as she watches over her family from purgatory also know as "the in between" until her killer is found. 

 The Salmons are deeply disturbed by the death of their daughter/sister while refusing to believe that sweet Susie is gone. They slowly begin to fall apart as does the investigation but as Susie watches over them she continuously wills them to move on.

On the other hand, George Harvey- Susie's killer continues his daily routine as usual without any remorse for what he has done. When approached by investigators he uses his cunning ways to reduce any suspicions about him. Soon he is ruled out as a suspect. Although, her body is nowhere to be found her murderer kept a trophy (Susie's bracelet) which he uses to relive his sick and twisted fantasy of what happened on the fateful evening.

As Susie makes her way to heaven she still can't seem to let go of the fact that George has not paid for what he has done. She becomes preoccupied, exploring all the wonders heaven has to offer; only to learn she was not her killer's only victim. This prompts her even more to interfere with the events happening on earth. She knows that she must leave everything behind but as she watches her family become broken souls she can't possibly bear to leave them in heartache. 

All hope is not lost as there are still some people who know her spirit is still alive. Susie's father refuses to give up as his suspicions grow deeper about George. As a result he causes havoc trying to gain justice for his child. 

Susie also watches over her crush Ray, who she really liked as he begins to form a relationship with Ruth an outcast who came into contact with Susie's spirit the night she was killed. 

Saoirse Ronan was such a beauty playing the character Susie. This was the first film I had ever watched with her and I must say I fell in love with her being. I think the choice of having her narrate the story as well as be the main star was a wise one. Her voice really captures the innocence of a young girl and the confusion and pain that follows her ordeal. An actor who is able to make you feel something is a truly fine specimen and that is Saoirse.

Many events happen in and around the Salmon household that helps Susie to see that even though she is gone, she has caused bonds to form among those who knew and loved her. She realises that there was no need to wait for everything to return to normal in order for her to be at peace. She learns that everything would fall into place at the right time and that sometimes the worst of things can bring out the best in people.

This story is one I think everyone should see. It helps us to see that pain must be felt as well as sometimes one thing is all a part of a bigger plan.