Review of Side Effects

Side Effects is a film that demands a fair measure of concentration from the viewer. Although it's apparently about treatment of depression and pill-taking, this film is really a very cleverly conceived psychological thriller. The 'side effects' referred to in the title aren't only pharmaceutical ones (related to a new drug), there are also (metaphorical?) side effects that permeate the relationships between the film's main characters. I missed the first ten minutes of the film by being late - but the film was so thought provoking, gripping, well acted and skillfully directed that I will almost certainly go to see it again. I'd say Side Effects is probably by no means a film for everyone, but if you have more than a passing interest in psychology, depression, insanity as a legal concept (or just enjoy a first rate suspense film) you will surely get a lot of satisfaction out of seeing this. An undoubted 8/10 for me.