'Nocturnal Animals' Review - Tom Ford (2016)

Fashion Designer Tom Ford returns with his second feature film with this stylish thriller starring Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal, with Aaron Taylor Johnson and Michael Shannon as part of the supporting cast. Ford constructs a non-linear journey of love, loss and violence that feels like a feverish dream. Tense and atmospheric, 'Nocturnal Animals' is stylistically superior, as one would expect from a fashion conglomerate such as Tom Ford. The parallels of each set of characters are drawn on exquisitely through use of colour, composition and visual motif. Though at times rather self-indulgent, the movie feels artificial and devoid of any real meaning. The movie often poses the question of what does it mean to learn the truth, but never truly delivers with a less than satisfactory conclusion.

Gyllenhaal steals the show once again with his performance as a man crippled with grief. He shows his range and versatility through his performance as two characters within the context of the movie. Though he does not carry the movie alone. Performances from Shannon and Taylor-Johnson take the levels of tension to a whole new level. There were plenty of scenes that were gripping and completely immersive but were often brought to a halt by Adams, and what seemed like boredom with stretched material. Adams brought her usual grace and charisma, but it wasn't enough to save what was essentially a lost performance of a lost character. 

The first act of 'Nocturnal Animals' introduces us to the glamorous yet dark and cold world of fashion. Then, all of a sudden tells us to piss off to where we belong with our tail between our legs. We suddenly find ourselves in a pit of despair, jumping between two contrasting worlds of violence and melancholy. The following acts pace themselves rather well, as Ford questions the truth and authenticity of bourgeoise values. The movie has the occasional pop at consumerism, interestingly enough as Ford seemed to be promoting his makeup and clothing range throughout the entire film. Yet behind the mask lies a strong enough narrative grounded by real performances.

Overall, Ford manages to just about balance out the style and the substance of the movie.  However 'Nocturnal Animals' always felt to be lacking in areas and packed more punches than it could ever manage to deliver. Abel Korzeniowski delivers a brooding score which lends itself handsomely to some of the harrowing scenes and imagery. I did on a personal level enjoy the movie, it's a welcome addition to the thriller genre. It's also another demonstration of Fords artistic and visual ability to tell a story, and one that is definitely worth your time.