Review of Obsession (2023)

Obsession (2023), directed by Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D’Sa, is a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of desire, infidelity, and obsession. The film explores how a seemingly innocent relationship spirals into dark territory, blurring the lines between love, lust, and control.

The plot follows the passionate but dangerous affair between William (Richard Armitage), a successful surgeon, and his son’s fiancée, Anna (Charlie Murphy). As their forbidden relationship intensifies, it leads them both down a path filled with jealousy, manipulation, and dangerous secrets. The film’s central theme is the exploration of obsession and the destructive consequences it can have on both individuals and those around them.

Richard Armitage’s performance as William is a standout. He brings a level of sophistication and charm to the role, which makes his character both captivating and chilling. His portrayal of a man trying to control his desires while navigating the moral decay of his actions is compelling. Armitage expertly captures the internal conflict of a man who is both driven by passion and consumed by guilt.

Charlie Murphy’s portrayal of Anna is equally strong, though her character is a bit more enigmatic. At first, Anna appears to be a victim of circumstance, but as the story unfolds, she becomes more active in her pursuit of the relationship with William. The film effectively showcases Anna’s vulnerability and emotional complexity, though some viewers may feel that her character’s motivations could have been developed further.

The chemistry between Armitage and Murphy is palpable, which is essential for a film built around the central forbidden romance. Their connection is electric, and the film does a great job of making the audience feel the intensity and danger of their affair. The tension is ever-present, and you can’t help but feel the suffocating nature of their relationship as it grows more obsessive and toxic.

The film’s pacing is deliberate, with moments of slow-building tension that steadily unravel into a dramatic conclusion. The visual style of Obsession matches its tone, using darker lighting and a muted color palette to create an atmosphere of unease. The cinematography works well in establishing the contrast between the idyllic, seemingly perfect life William and Anna are trying to build and the chaos that lurks beneath the surface of their relationship.

However, Obsession suffers from a few pacing issues. While the slow burn of the story adds to the suspense, there are moments where the narrative feels dragged out, especially in the middle of the film. Some may find the build-up frustrating, particularly if they are looking for a faster-paced thriller. The final third of the film, however, delivers the necessary emotional payoff, though the ending might feel a bit predictable for those familiar with this genre of psychological thrillers.

The film also occasionally relies on familiar tropes and clichés, particularly in its exploration of obsession, which may make it feel less original than some viewers would expect. While it handles themes of power and manipulation well, there’s a sense that Obsession doesn’t fully explore its characters’ motivations in a way that feels new or groundbreaking.

In conclusion, Obsession (2023) is a solid psychological thriller that benefits from strong performances, especially from Richard Armitage and Charlie Murphy. It effectively captures the intensity and danger of an illicit affair and explores the psychological cost of unchecked desire. While the pacing can feel slow at times, the film’s tense atmosphere and compelling central relationship make it a worthwhile watch for fans of dark, emotional thrillers. It’s not without its flaws, but it delivers on its promise of suspense and intrigue, offering a gripping, if somewhat familiar, exploration of obsession and its consequences.

Review of The Ice Road (2021)

The Ice Road (2021), directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, is a high-stakes action thriller that combines the tension of survival with the thrill of a nail-biting rescue mission. Set in the unforgiving terrain of northern Canada, the film follows a group of truckers as they drive across perilous, frozen lakes to deliver crucial equipment to a diamond mine after a catastrophic accident traps miners underground. What unfolds is a race against time, battling both the elements and human adversaries in a journey that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Liam Neeson stars as Mike McCann, a seasoned trucker who is recruited for the mission despite personal baggage and his past struggles with PTSD. Neeson’s portrayal of McCann fits comfortably into his usual action-hero persona, offering a no-nonsense, grizzled hero who’s not afraid to take risks to save lives. His performance is solid, capturing both the toughness and vulnerability of a man determined to right wrongs in the face of overwhelming danger. Alongside him is his brother, Gurty (Marcus Thomas), who has a speech impediment, adding a layer of depth to the family dynamic and making the stakes even higher.

The film’s concept of driving heavy trucks across ice roads – often no thicker than a few feet – offers plenty of opportunities for tension and spectacle, and The Ice Road delivers on this front. The ice roads themselves are a constant threat, and the film does a great job of building suspense with every shift in weather and every crack in the ice. The cinematography captures the vast, cold landscape, highlighting both the beauty and danger of the frozen wilderness. It’s a stark, isolated environment that amplifies the danger, and the visuals certainly enhance the sense of peril that the characters face.

The supporting cast, including Laurence Fishburne, as the team’s commander and rugged leader, adds weight to the story, though his role is somewhat underdeveloped. While Fishburne delivers his lines with intensity, his character doesn’t receive much screen time to fully explore his motivations, and his arc feels more like a backdrop to the action rather than a significant driving force in the plot. Additionally, the villainous forces in the film—greedy corporate interests—are a bit cliché and lack the nuance to make them truly compelling.

As an action film, The Ice Road thrives in its intense set pieces, which are thrilling to watch. The truck chases, narrow escapes, and near-death encounters on the cracking ice are the core of the film, and they are staged well. However, the film occasionally falters when it tries to layer in emotional beats or moments of dramatic tension that feel a bit forced. Some of the character development feels rushed, with certain relationships, particularly between Mike and Gurty, not being fully explored. While their bond provides some heart to the film, it doesn’t have the depth it needs to resonate as strongly as it could.

The pacing of The Ice Road is generally brisk, but there are moments where the film slows down to introduce backstory or interpersonal conflict, which can feel like a bit of a distraction from the high-octane action. The script at times veers into predictable territory, with some of the obstacles the characters face feeling more like standard action movie tropes. The plot, while engaging, doesn’t offer many surprises, and the resolution of the main conflict is somewhat formulaic.