Side Effects (2013)

A young woman's world unravels when a drug prescribed by her psychiatrist has unexpected side effects.

Director:

Steven Soderbergh

Writer:

Scott Z. Burns (screenplay)

Stars:

Rooney Mara, Channing Tatum, Jude Law

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Rooney Mara	...	Emily Taylor
Carmen Pelaez	...	Prison Desk Guard
Marin Ireland	...	Upset Visitor
Channing Tatum	...	Martin Taylor
Polly Draper	...	Emily's Boss
Haraldo Alvarez	...	Garage Attendant
Jude Law	...	Dr. Jonathan Banks
James Martinez	...	Police Officer at Hospital
Vladimi Versailles	...	Augustin
Jacqueline Antaramian	...	Desk Nurse
Michelle Vergara Moore	...	Joan
Catherine Zeta-Jones	...	Dr. Victoria Siebert
Katie Lowes	...	Conference Organizer
David Costabile	...	Carl
Mamie Gummer	...	Kayla

Storyline

Emily Taylor, despite being reunited with her husband from prison, becomes severely depressed with emotional episodes and suicide attempts. Her psychiatrist, Jonathan Banks, after conferring with her previous doctor, eventually prescribes an experimental new medication called Ablixa. The plot thickens when the side effects of the drug lead to Emily killing her husband in a "sleepwalking" state. With Emily plea-bargained into mental hospital confinement and Dr. Banks' practice crumbling around him, the case seems closed. However, Dr. Banks cannot accept full responsibility and investigates to clear his name. What follows is a dark quest that threatens to tear what's left of his life apart even as he discovers the diabolical truth of this tragedy.

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Plot Keywords:

Side Effect | Psychiatrist | Doctor | Medication | Suicide Attempt | 

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Taglines:

One pill can change your life.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexuality, nudity, violence and language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 February 2013 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Bitter Pill

Filming Locations:

Broome, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$30,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$9,303,145 (USA) (8 February 2013)

Gross:

$31,234,575 (USA) (29 March 2013)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Di Bonaventura Pictures, Endgame Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital Datasat

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The poster for the anti-depressant Ablixa at the subway station features UK actress Alexa Brown.

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Goofs

3m 30s into the film the mic, cameraman and camera are reflected in a car window.

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Quotes

Dr. Jonathan Banks: Depression is the inability to construct a future.

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Connections

References Side Effects May Include (2008)
Inspired by the short film

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Soundtracks

"33 Degree"
Thievery Corporation featuring Zee
Courtesy of Eighteenth Street Lounge Music

User Reviews

Strap on Your Seatbelt

I saw a couple of interviews with the cast before this film came out and they talked about the fact that this film had a lot of twists and turns in it; and they weren't kidding. However, that being said I went in with a certain mindset and it took me a little time to figure it out, but I eventually did. Either the film was moving real slow for me or I have become accustom to seeing more action. This film is purely psychological in nature, so if you are looking for some action, there isn't any. It also got me to thinking how much power court appointed psychologists have and how they have the power to manipulate the system. On the other hand, it also made me realize that mental patients have absolutely no control over their lives (which may be a good thing). Dr. Jonathan Banks (Jude Law) is the psychologist on the case of a severely depressed patient. His world is quickly turned upside down by having to deal with anxiety, depression, pharmaceuticals and medical ethics. Emily Taylor (Rooney Mara) is the severely depressed woman who is desperately trying to find the right drug to cure her affliction. Dr. Victoria Siebert (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is a former attending psychologist of Emily who is consulted by Dr. Banks to try and uncover some of the dilemmas of her past. Martin Taylor (Channing Tatum) is Emily's husband and is shouldered with the responsibility of trying to care his wife as she tries medication after medication in addition to trying to keep the marriage together. Dierdre Banks (Vinessa Shaw) is Jonathan's wife and she becomes a victim and unwilling participant in the unfolding circumstances that is affecting her life. I think that the entire cast did an excellent job, but as I said before it was a tad slow for me in the beginning. This film definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat and you really do not know who is playing whom. It was difficult to know who to root for until all is revealed at the end. I thought that the story was a good one and it definitely takes you on a roller-coaster ride. I am not sure that anyone could ever reach the level of a Hitchcock film, but this one comes pretty close. Steven Soderbergh did an excellent job embracing this genre of film. I give this film a green light.