Susan Sarandon plays happily married Sophie a famous and successful illustrator for children's book. She is married to Craig played by Sam Neill and has two daughters Elly and Ruby. Sophie's life follows that of a typical housewife and moves along pretty fine if a little predictable. However as she recently lost her mother her emotions are still understandably up and down which is something that works against her later in the film.
When the film opens we see Sophie arriving back at her house after collecting her daughters from school. Although everything seems normal Sophie starts to experience some creepy moments, when she senses that something is amiss, and believes she hears mysterious noises such as the sound of breathing when the house should be empty and, noticing family photos that seem to keep going missing. However no one else in her family seems to notice anything and as her emotions are all over the place because of her mother she passes this off as nothing and doesn't pay that much attention to them.
That is until Mara, Craig's
new attractive work colleague turns up, and things take on a more sinister twist. Why does Mara seem to have an intense interest in Sophie and her family, Is it just a coincidence that Mara manages to turn up in exact copies of Sophie's dresses, and on one occasion turning up wearing an exact replica of a dress of Sophie's that has recently gone missing? And just who is the woman which the next door neighbour sees entering and leaving Sophie's house regularly? Is Sophie really losing her mind or is there something more sinister going on than even she can imagine?
This was a great movie although I sort of worked out about mid way through the film what was really going on. Nevertheless it was well acted and although the plot wasn't that original it was interesting enough to keep me watching to the end.
Susan Sarandon has proved herself to be a very versatile actress and did a good job as the successful career mom and wife who seems to have it all, but then is forced into the position of having to fight to protect her family. Her character was believable and the balance of her character's strength and vulnerability came across well.
Sam Neill's acting again was great although the demands on his character as the conservative businessman and father were less than that required for Sophie. As Sam Neill is such a great actor he carried off the roll with ease and made the character very interesting to watch.
Emily Blunt's portrayal as Mara I found the most intriguing character in the film. Her move from the typical girl Friday and happy wife and mother who then displays more sinister characteristics which begin to reveal themselves as the film progresses was very effective. I don't remember seeing Emily Blunt in any other films but she definitely did a good job here.
The supporting characters again were good especially Sophie's two daughters Elly and Ruby played by Johanna Hunt-Prokhovnik and Lauren Mikkor.
The music in the film, was mostly incidental music to suit the current mood of the scene, and helped to keep the sense of mystery goin, but apart from that was not that memorable.
This was a great thriller and I really enjoyed the interplay of the three main characters Sophie, Craig and Mara. I felt the direction was handled well so that although it wasn't a film full surprises the plot and suspense kept me interested to keep watching the whole film to the end.
I would recommend this film for those who enjoy a light suspense/mystery movie that doesn't tax the brain too much but will keep you entertained to the end.
Cast Susan Sarandon - Sophie Sam Neill - Craig Mara - Emily Blunt Elly - Johanna Hunt-Prokhovnik Lauren Mikkor - Ruby Sam - Bud Tingwell Jimmy - William McInnes Jen - George Parker
Written & Directed by Ann Turner Music Score - David HirschFelder Producers David Parker, Tatiana Kennedy CoProducer - Franziska Wagenfeld Editor - Ken Sallows ASE Director of Photography - Martin McGrath ACS Visual Effects - Complete Post Film Film Laboratory - Cinevex Film Laboratories Inspired by an original idea by Ange Enfield Developed in association with Willowbank Films Filmed on location in Melbourne Australia
Special Features Subtitles Hard of Hearing Subtitles on/off
Scene Selection
Alternate Ending - This was just a slight change from the original ending but didn't change greatly from the original conclusion of the film.
Available on Amazon for £5.97
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Sophie Hartley (Susan Sarandon) is a successful illustrator, a dedicated mother and a ... more
loving wife, but things aren't going well with her husband, Craig (Sam Neill). Sophie is convinced that she's being stalked by one of Craig's co-workers - his beautif...
Sophie Hartley (Susan Sarandon) is convinced that she is being stalked. She becomes ... more
increasingly certain that her husband's (Sam Neill) beautiful co-worker Mara (Emily Blunt) wants her children her husband and her life. But no one believes Sophie. F...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
![Irresistible [DVD] [2006]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78052718.jpg "Irresistible [DVD] [2006]")
very helpful by (97%):
somewhat helpful by (3%):
