Nocturnal Animals reviewed by Mark Kermode

Mark Kermode reviews Nocturnal Animals. An art gallery owner receives the manuscript for a novel written by her ex-husband. The story is a dark and viciously violent thriller, and she interprets its dedication to her as a veiled threat.
Please tell us what you think of the film -- or Mark’s review of the film - below. We love to include your views on the show every Friday.
www.bbc.co.uk/5...
Fridays at 2pm on BBC 5 live.

[@paulwaters4621]

To those criticising the opening credits, I think they are an important moment in the film, they represent everything Susan's character is not. They, their bodies, do not conform to what society tells us our bodies should be/look like. Susan is women who is constantly following what society and her mother says she should be. They are free, naked, nude, liberated. they dance with out a care. They are the very opposite of Susan who is trapped in another world so to speak.

[@whiteydiamond]

Michael Shannon as an almost no backstory, kind of tragic and complete badass with nothing to lose after his diagnosis, is one of my favorite character types. Doing whatever it takes to see evil die before he does. Amazing actor!

[@ponypower8]

To those who got confused and didn't get it, the novel in the story is an allegory to their actual marriage that ended badly 20 years ago. Edward sending the manuscript and contacting her again is part of his revenge. He made her feel sorry for herself and for her life that she chose over him. BY STANDING HER UP, he also made her feel lonely, and how it feels to be abandoned. And the cherry on top is that he wrote novel about it, a big slap on the face because when they were together, she thought he wasn't creative enough.

[@loui4898]

I think the movie does have misteps here and there, but him standing her up at the end works better than in the book (where they never actually agreed to meet).

[@deansisqoxv20]

I loved this movie. Definitely one that makes you think into the long night

[@p.g.j6323]

Deano Zumrap i couldn't agree more.. I'm still reflecting on my life triggered by this emotionally deep film. A total masterpiece.

[@iham101]

Paul Glyndwr Jones completely agree!

[@annaandtonia4042]

I really do like Michael Shannon. He always scared me ever since I first saw him in BoardWalk Empire. Top actor.

[@Pbarwik]

Bug is a nasty movie, great Freadkin flick

[@nifralo2752]

I WILL FIND HIM

[@joshknightfall]

He's in almost every Jeff Nichols movie, and they're all great.

[@One21Jiggawatts]

Have you seen his talk show interviews. He’s hilarious.

[@ShreeNation]

Can we appreciate the Renaissance man that is Tom Ford? Guy is super talented.

[@doublediamond9226]

Good to see Zawe Ashton getting more work!

[@Psilocybin77]

Stumbled on this movie one day as it was playing on a movie channel. Had never heard of it, and was not prepared in the slightest. Amazing performances, direction, cinematography, and writing. The themes of this movie really spoke to me, and that gut punch of an ending has me thinking about it, years later. I have been recommending it to everyone I meet ever since.

[@WeegieMovies]

"2 Cold 2 Calculating"... starring Vin Diesel.

[@mimicrybypravesh]

This is an exceptional film. The score is just haunting.

[@killeeemall]

sorry you got it completely wrong. Amy Adams was not the wife, she was the rapist gang. She took his child, she took his wife and everything he had. She was "the nocturnal animal".

[@spaceboy2095]

And that's exactly what I hated about this film! This is Tom Ford being a Christian extremist!

[@baxterbasics]

Ali Ens she was the wife *and* the gang

[@johnsaidi2599]

The wife, or Isla Fisher, is who Amy Adam's character sees herself, which is why she looks so similar to her character. However, Jake Gylenhall sees her as Aaron Taylor Johnson, because of what she did to him. So good.

[@theongreyjoy1947]

spaceboy2095 no, he is being a gay (therefore leftwing) but because he is gay he is not biased towards women

[@jordanrodrigues8435]

I usually get this stuff but you broke my brain, thank you!

[@charliepanayiotou4305]

What's better than a month with a new Amy Adams film?* A month with two new Amy Adams films! Can't wait to see both this and Arrival next weekend. *I'll politely ignore the ones directed by Zack Snyder

[@dariusasghari]

What film did she do with Snyder?

[@1080TJ]

+Adult Man Batman v Superman and Man of Steel

[@charliepanayiotou4305]

Not a fan of great acting huh

[@mikeleeson7098]

Charlie Panayiotou Shes ok but not great.

[@Error-fv1ul]

Noсturnal Animals mоvie herе => twitter.com/6a3f9117bef0516ce/status/792184353576980480 Nоcturnaааl Аnimаls rеviеwed bу Mark Kermode

[@ezrasky3761]

Nocturnal Animals is a mesmerizing film. 10/10.

[@gurneksingh9984]

Artistic deference to Hitchcock, Scorsese, De Palma et al, remarkable film score, brilliant film. I'm sold!!

[@Ko5taKo66e]

A very decent effort by Tom Ford, I agree. Beautifully shot, but sometimes he got carried away with style just a bit too much. Might see it again. and "Neon Demon" too.:)

[@joeyfantana2724]

Agree the run-off-the-road scene is very tense and difficult to observe. Toss up between this and the opening ten minutes of Goat for most uncomfortably tense scene of the year for me.

[@murphyo9249]

What a great explanation of the film's character. I defiantly agree with the sentiment that the film lacks an element of humanity and can often appear cold in its execution. The ending is a personal favourite scene of mine, devastating in its conclusion. I must also say, Tom Ford's direction in this film was simply perfect; you could take 99.9% of the stills from the film and be unable to argue its beauty.

[@whitneyangelie3682]

Murphy-Jo O'Reilly I would argue that because the film is 100% from Amy Adams character's point of view, the cold perfection that's lacking some "humanity" is perfect. It's exactly what her life is; beautiful, shallow, cold, never satisfied and lacking in passion and heart. In that way, I think it was done perfectly...

[@murphyo9249]

Whitney Angelie upon a second watching I must agree with you! Susan is a cold almost reptilian character who in a way is reaping her reward for the terrible things she has done in her life. But I suppose we feel some amount of sorrow for her. I think this is due to the included flashbacks that offer us a bit more of her 'humanity' and the 'loving nature' that she once had when she was with Edward.

[@whitneyangelie3682]

Murphy-Jo O'Reilly Exactly. I think the reason we feel connected to her at all is because we're literally seeing the entire thing (even the flashbacks) from her POV so it's skewed in her favor. She's a total narcissist but of course, she doesn't see *herself* that way. IMO she had a second of self realization when she caught a glimpse of the psychopath killer from Edward's manuscript in the "baby monitor" on the cell phone. For one second I think she realized that Ray, the psychopath in his book was actually meant to portray *her*, or at least the ugly side of her personality.

[@murphyo9249]

Whitney Angelie couldn't have put it better myself! I'm trying to get it put on my university course for those studying theory in their second year! It's just fantastic, filled with metaphors and social commentary about exceptionalism and the duality of art and life. Some really brilliant casting choices and sterling direction should have earned, Amy Adams and, Ford an oscar nomination. It's a shame neither will be recognised for the tremendous work that was put into this film.

[@whitneyangelie3682]

Murphy-Jo O'Reilly Oh, I know! I just watched the movie yesterday (which is why I'm still talking about it and mulling it over in my mind lol). I went to google how many Oscars they're up for and it was surprisingly low! This movie really does seem to be getting snubbed which proves to me even more that the Oscars are kind of a joke. I mean (no disrespect if you like it) but LaLa Land being the most hyped movie of the year?! 😳 That's crazy to me. Well hopefully tonight at least Michael Shannon will win best supporting actor for his role as the sheriff (he deserves it IMO). This film is so good, I think using it for your class is a good idea! I've found so many metaphors and all these little hints and nuances in this movie that are rare in today's films and the acting and cinematography are amazing too!

[@bluesjazznotes9436]

Another good one I got to watch this weekend, a great review from Mark I don't think it can be described any better, looking forward to watch it again, one of those films I guess.

[@MrXabungle]

Amy Adams and Michael Shannon are long overdue for an Oscar. They are the DiCaprios of this era.

[@navigatingmadness180]

This era? Di Caprio only won it last year! I agree though, Shannon really deserves a nod for this one

[@jordanmcquay9077]

RawbThatPunk DiCaprio's of this era? DiCaprio is the DiCaprio of this era. only for the past 6 or so years has he been seen as an incredible actor. during titanic yeah he was the teenage heartthrob and was that was for a while but now he's grown up and his really true genius has been shinning

[@navigatingmadness180]

jordan mcquay all true, but everyone knows that his genius has actually been shining since This Boys Life. The Academy just failed to recognize

[@nifralo2752]

Michael Shannon says "An Oscar I WILL FIND ONE!!"

[@theongreyjoy1947]

RawbThatPunk dicaprio lmao

[@taliaprice1909]

I really want to see this film. I'm a huge Jake Gyllenhaal fan.

[@taliaprice1909]

Yes I did. And I loved it.

[@niallh4194]

i heard Aaron Taylor Johnson was fantastic in this which is a surprise so I think I would watch it just for him. Then again I love Jake Gyllenhaal and Amy Adams

[@niallh4194]

+Sudev Sen aha, nice.

[@niallh4194]

Literally just seen it there and while Shannon and Adams are brilliant, it was Jake and Aaron who were absolutely phenomenal for me. The raw intensity and chilling insanity displayed by Ray is frightening. I was so nervous and I cried multiple times when Tony just blamed himself and screamed at ray depicting his vulnerability, guilt and pain. Fantastic film

[@UnitedFan0411]

Saw this yesterday. Absolutely loved it - one of the best films of the year so far, without a doubt. Amy Adams is exceptional, but Michael Shannon steals it. A world-class example of method acting.

[@simransidhu3444]

The "coldness" of the film was due to it being from Amy Adams' character's perspective. And yes, the road scene hit me in the chest like a bag of bricks.

[@Gos1234567]

yes its pretty stupid to criticise this aspect as its the life she lives,I mean does he want to show a loveless marriage and art world as fullof sunshine and bunny rabbits?

[@jmg3318]

Great film, but could of done without the opening sequence. Those who have seen it will know what I mean

[@kingdarko]

she does.

[@kingdarko]

Art vandaley she has a shower scene too If that balances it out... but yeah she does end up in the tub a lot come to think of it.

[@kingdarko]

Art vandaley while arrival was really nice to look at I thought the pacing and the story wasn't all that it's cracked up to be. Nocturnal animals on the other hand was polished in all aspects. Go watch it

[@kingdarko]

It's a thriller, i was going to write more and describe it in more depth but that will just rob you of the experience.. trust me it's a great movie that's worth your time. It's one of those films the less you know the better.

[@dirty06maggot]

gehehehe

[@davidmolyneux5289]

I’ll never be able to afford Tom Ford clothes but I can buy a cinema ticket... I wish he’d do more films haha

[@WAAAAAAAAAAAY]

I really liked it. Can't say I fully understood it though. Because of this I did feel a bit "removed" as Kermode put it. That said it's incredibly well constructed and is very coherent for a film with 3 stories [with totally different tones] being told & the score is excellent.....Tom Ford is a very good director. There's also [I feel] an attempt at sincere emotion which you don't necessarily get something that's seemingly so clinical looking [stylish/stylized] so it should be praised for it. The performances are great too - Adams, Shannon and Gyllenhaal in particular It's definitely worth seeing :)

[@jameswcoppedge]

Tom Ford's explanation of the opening sequence makes total sense to me. I buy it completely.

[@frankmerker630]

I prefer the in-movie explanation that Amy Adams offers in that it’s just a cheap meaningless art exhibit lol

[@borismoof6282]

Worryingly, particularly since it's only a couple of months since it was out, I was 5 minutes into this before I remembered I had actually seen the film! I would like to say that's a reflection on the onset of senility rather than the quality of the directing, however I agree with Mark that it's contrived and over polished. But he still really likes it, whereas I completely forgot about it. A single man was so much better.

[@felinefatale7773]

Amy Adams looks remarkably like 90s era Nicole Kidman in this.

[@alexmarin7897]

They should have selected Nicole Kidman to play her mother in this film.

[@beag4961]

I too, thought she resembles Nicole Kidman. And I even knew why - it is the shape of the eyebrows! Then the eyes and the look in the eyes.

[@grazielaalmeida8438]

She resembles Pam from the office

[@MajorAskew]

A single Man is one of my all time favourite films, cannot wait to see this.

[@ArtwithBen]

Just finished it. It was fantastic. Just look away for the first 4 minutes!

[@travisbest9041]

I thought it was fantastic. The way the director directs the novel portion in a completely different style is the best I've ever seen this sort of thing ever done. And the bits that are imposed upon the novel's story by Amy Adams' imagination, most strikingly in the ludicrous artful tableaux of the bodies on the immaculate couch in the desert, is brilliant. It very much reminded me of an old movie from the 70s called 'The Eyes of Laura Mars' with Faye Dunaway and Tommy Lee Jones.

[@aresgalamatis7022]

I just watched it for the first time, and indeed it was an amazing film in many levels... but yes, the starting sequence would have made more sense to close the film, given what reviewer quoted as the director's justification for it.

[@MrGB1999]

Mark mentions the film's use of symbolism, but didn't mention Don't Look Now. Quite different films, but both excellent in their grasp of moviemaking vocabulary. And people ultimately didn't criticise Roeg (although, ironically, some did initially) for his deliberate use of symbols and tropes to convey deeper meaning or shared significance between characters and themes. This is a brilliant piece of cinema. If Ford wasn't Ford, those that view it a certain way may well see it slightly differently.

[@sweetcell8767]

The first 2/3rds of Nocturnal Animals is absolutely captivating. You cannot turn away. I think the last third, whilst remaining interesting and strong on the symbolism is a little thin. I wonder if anyone else feels this way?

[@dougadamson9946]

Very good review this one, was nice to balance your views with my own and a lot of your points hit the mark for me

[@rhodaborrecks]

Somehow I missed this until now. Genius movie. Love it. Very difficult to watch in places. But compelling and thought provoking.

[@thomasthomas2729]

Despite Ford's comments about the opening sequence with the obese models, it seems quite feasible, given the critical comments of the past about Ford's near obsession with society's standard of beauty, the intro was Ford's middle-finger statement of, "there, there's your obese, "non-standard" beautiful people, now shut-up already."

[@PauLtus_B]

Although I get that statement, it doesn't exactly help the movie.

[@christopherbuckley5929]

One longing issue with this film I had was the treatment of the female characters . I've heard some critics cry misogny at this film and I'm not far off that criticism. I won't spoil the movie but there are moments especially with Fisher, Adam's and Riseborough's character that do echo this problem. I loved the storytelling and especially Shannon's performance but overall this is a significant comedown from A Single Man

[@jasonpettitt7322]

I feel very much the same about this movie. 3 days on and I'm still trying to figure out if i loved it or not. Definitely worth the price of admission though.

[@chrishiggins7166]

The film maybe too confusing in parts, however the film’s well acted, intriguing, well directed & is A stylish drama thriller film. (77%) (4/5 stars) (positive)

[@bjoern426]

I think it would be interesting to discuss how many things in the fiction storyline are interpretations by Susan reading the book or ment to be like this by Edward writing it...

[@mojosbigsticks]

It took you over 10 mins to explain - that's a complex film.

[@Alpine_Joe]

It definitely is complex. I saw it last night. I liked it ... but I'm going to see it again tonight.

[@notabot835]

it's not complex. it's flimsy in hindsight

[@lobstermash]

I really enjoyed the film - it was dry, intelligent, uncompromising. I like my satire cold and I don't give a damn about the characters being touchy-feely, though I do realise that emotions are all the fashion now. I liked the designed elegance of it. It wasn't great - it didn't really make sense, but it was a serious effort. And for God's sake when are they going to give Michael Shannon his Oscar? I first saw him in The Shape of Water and was mesmerised - he was seriously frightening and yet funny at the same time (possibly just my take - dark humour), and believable as a damaged person, not just a caricature villain. He has amazing screen presence. I only watched this film on Netflix because I saw his name. About the opening scene - I read it as demonstrating that her art gallery was trendy but not really very good. Top collectors don't shop there. I didn't like the dancers being presented as vaudeville because I think it's demanding. The actual exhibits could be taken as along the lines of Ron Meurk's work if they weren't lying on their faces like casualties. I thought it was meant to be tacky. LA en fete.

[@commercialand]

What reason did they do a jump cut on the automobile that started to drive off? That did not seem like it pushed the story, and many of those jump cuts were a bit jarring to me.

[@BHCha-]

Sounds very interesting. Think Ill be going to see this.

[@navigatingmadness180]

Definitely do. Its brilliant.

[@martonpinter3738]

It's like a discount The Fall with perfect cinematography. Also am I the only one, who found the editing in the first half hasty? I think it was for confusing the viewers a bit, but it took away from the amazing performances.

[@timmy13duffy]

I'm also confused about whether I enjoyed this film. I'm leaning towards approval, but I definitely think there were failures in communicating with the audience.

[@patrickneill148]

What a film.... Acting phenomenal all round

[@Nprive]

thank god for you people I was just getting the binary I loved it I hated It. U give me faith in people. THANK U

[@filmneek]

Can someone please explain the ending to me? I left the cinema mesmerised but I'm trying to figure out what the ending was supposed to explain. Anyone?

[@Johnnytightfit]

filmneek well would you show up if someone aborted your baby and left you for someone else? " when you love someone, you've got to be careful with it. you might never get it again"

[@Johnnytightfit]

filmneek well would you show up if someone aborted your baby and left you for someone else? " when you love someone, you've got to be careful with it. you might never get it again"

[@BrianDePalmaII]

A+ honestly

[@dirtyturps]

Michael Shannon steals this. He's terrific in the movie.

[@ashleyjackson5421]

anyone's who's watched it, could jake gyllenhaal win an Oscars for this role? or at least be Oscars nominated? 😊😄

[@byEclecticA]

He could very well win. That's how amazing he is in this.

[@TheNightmareMan81]

best movie in along time!

[@foxybingo1112]

What's the age certificate in the uk?

[@soddof7972]

I was convinced Michael Shannon was a bad guy... I really enjoyed the film but didn't understand the end until it was explained to me :)

[@leilaswansborough]

soddof I know what you mean! I spent the whole film waiting for him to turn!

[@markmallone7484]

Saw this few weeks ago, can't say I liked it very much, just not my cup of tea.

[@omgsolikevalleygirl]

omg I *totally* have the same plastic storage box in my closet

[@ThisHandleIsInteresting]

I hope the visual of the opening sequence doesn't ruin the rest of the 2hrs for me.

[@jackfereday9452]

One of the worst films I've ever seen. Over-acted, jam-packed with clichés, stereotypical dialogues, unnecessarily bleak and self-serious... But at points it was so bad it made me laugh, so not a total waste of time 😂

[@harrytighe3679]

Seeing this movie done

[@matthewallen1597]

Seen it, it's genius.

[@squeezycakes]

well done tom ford, great film

[@robynhenry2607]

Michael Shannon is awesome!! 😍😍

[@loiracitr]

The moment I realized the family was fictional and the woman was just reading a novel I felt so relieved!

[@TheUdonnoodle]

It was a great film, but I nearly walked out during the opening credits.

[@SquidSnuggles]

Myself included! Was there really any reason for that?

[@whitneyangelie3682]

Aaron Kent LMAO I literally had to check to see if I ordered the right movie from PPV! I was like "WTF is this?" I thought my boyfriend was gonna puke 😂😂😂

[@EmoBearRights]

I'm sorry I hated it because I really disliked how the rape and murder of two women was an allegory for HIS pain. He effing fridged them not helped by how unsettling the scenes with them and the killer and how you knew exactly what would happen. It's admittedly my issue - I haven't been assaulted like that but I was low level bullied and I think that scene reminds me of that.

[@leealsworth794]

does simon mayo ever get to finish a sentence?

[@WeegieMovies]

Never!

[@egw6659]

He doesn't mind. He likes not speaking. LTLs know this.

[@timothyw98]

So its abit like Mullhulland drive type of narrative.

[@zamiadams4343]

Superb film in every way.

[@SGustafsson]

SPOILERS : I think its weird the level of violence that the book writer goes to (in the book) because of an abortion. I did not find any empathy for him because of that. Sure amy addams did a terrible lie, but I thought it was to vile, and to much. Anyone agree?

[@ShijinNair87]

Its a movie which you don't like instantly..... But it will make start hunting you while you're on tha way back to home....

[@JJABROD83]

absolutely Christopher Nola's father! :):):):):)

[@theartofstory9487]

Attention to detail ... at the expense of a compelling story.

[@zaneanderson5089]

I almost threw up watching that opening sequence

[@Scotchegz]

Amy Adams acting range -Postnatal - - -

[@shanstergoodheart5177]

My father thought it was excellent. I get why but it didn't really like it. Also a waste of your Andrea Riseborough and Michael Sheen.

[@calebbird445]

Such a good movie.

[@alanford8619]

Oh yeah!

[@34672rr]

the film within a film is good, but the reality story sucks. all in all just gimmicky. they tried to wrap up a decent formulaic noirish film in another crappy short film. that is crazy though, i started to watch it again not realizing i watched it before, and totally forgot the opening sequence like kermode

[@Gos1234567]

Yes I interpreted the symbolism at the end as her ex killing off his old self (ie weak and irresponsible) but so what?I dont really care at lll and it doesnt make the film more profound and intellectual,as you say it just feels like a gimmick,so its just kinda convoluted and not neccessary

[@maddalena5708]

Oh yes, it is remarkable.

[@z0uLess]

Its a great movie

[@olivermcerlean8386]

Yes. I saw it in the cinema. Style over substance is all I recall about it now.

[@The3rdGunman]

Dat intro.....FOUL!

[@airsir9559]

The opening sequence was so nonsensically pointless and stupid.

[@JJJJJVVVVVLLLLL]

A-L-M-O-D-O-V-A-R lite for US audiences

[@bobpolo2964]

that clip was some horrible dialogue

[@RollOpeo1]

I thought this movie sucked hard. A single man was great, this was boring and labourrrrred

[@MissKilman]

I found the dialogue from that clip they showed very heavy handed and poorly written

[@flundran]

It's a movie made for the movie critics to love. For ordinary people (like myself) it's a pretty boring and meaningless story. It looks great though and the actors are great.

[@martinf74]

Should of been nominayed for best picture.

[@iknowthisone6844]

u lost me

[@HerrTipple]

Perhaps the worst film I have ever seen in a cinema. The only reason I didn't walk out (and there were many that did) was because it was so bad, but got such good reviews, I kept imagining that it must get better soon. Pretentious twaddle for people that think they are smart but are actually too lazy to consume genuinely challenging fiction (regardless of medium).

[@jeaniefedotov4706]

Movie looks pretentious and dumb....stylized quite nicely but I'd never trust a flamboyantly naive fashion designer trying to be a film maker at any rate. No cleverness what so ever.

[@Starbucks571]

rip harambe

[@drgonzo1985]

Hated this movie. Full of unsubtle metaphors about their relationship.

[@spaceboy2095]

I disliked this movie. Yes, it's shot beautifully. Yes, Michael Shannon is incredible in this. But this movie is cold and a bit messy. And mainly it's Tom Ford posing as a Christian extremist, denouncing the shallowness of arts and rich people and the evil things that women can do. Boring and backwards, really!

[@ivofena83]

Poor movie. Did not like it and can't recommended.

[@kaiterenless1888]

"What's to define beauty?" Biology, Mr. Kermode.