Cast: Mila Kunis, Chiara Aurelia, Finn Wittrock, Scoot McNairy, Justine Lupe, Thomas Barbusca, Jennifer Beals; Connie Britton, Alex Barone, Carson MacCormac, Dalmar Abuzeid, Isaac Kragten, Gage Munroe, Nicole Huff and Alexandra Beaton.
Directed by: Mike Barker
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Rating: 6/10
Based on a superhit 2015 novel of the same name written by Jessica Knoll, the movie traces the life and career of aspiring columnist "Ani Fanelli" (Mila Kunis) as she balances preparing for her upcoming wedding, a job that is at a crossroads while struggling with the post-traumatic stress disorder of a grievous sexual assault from her past.
Thumbs up:
The movie confronts a serious, important subject and gets better as it moves along. Acting and editing are highlights. The film was well-acted and the younger actress was excellent to a point of being genuinely upsetting. Many films portray victims as weathered survivors. This film shows the victim as extremely put-together and successful, making for a fresh interesting take on what victims could look like.
Thumbs down:
Most characters were one-dimensional. It was annoying in a sense, the same stereotypes and characters saying exactly what you expect them to say. The boyfriend was just so patient and perfect that it felt unrealistic. The documentary-style outro just goes on and on in a juvenile way. Overall, this was a deeply emotional movie with often heavy-handed statements and blatant product placements littered about.
Verdict:
Mila Kunis is incredible in this disturbing, but profound take on the lasting scars of sexual assault.
