Film Review - Enemy (2014)

Available on DVD and Blu-Ray -

"Enemy" – (2014) - A colleague’s seemingly innocuous movie recommendation leads Jake Gyllenhaal’s dispassionate college professor, "Adam Bell", to discover the existence of an exact lookalike in the form of an impetuous actor, "Anthony Claire"- obsessed with the matter, the two men subsequently meet, setting in motion a chain of events which forever changes both of their lives.

Enemy is one of the better psychological thrillers made in the last decade- it’s smart, unexpected and, occasionally, downright bizarre. Director Denis Villeneuve (Incendies), whose utilization of a relatively small budget is impeccable, keeps the narrative moving at a deliberate, yet involving pace- cinephiles will recognize the lighter shades of Cronenberg, Lynch and Kubrick at play.

Gyllenhaal is excellent in dual roles; his alternating portrayals of the Professor dogged by a feeling of life unfulfilled and the edgy supporting actor with a pregnant wife (Sarah Gadon) are flawed but empathetic figures, with the 33-year-old actor displaying a firm grasp on those subtle traits that all certified film stars possess. Gyllenhaal and Villeneuve have apparently built a solid report, as the two previously worked together in 2013’s taut abduction thriller, Prisoners.

Potential viewers can expect an atmospheric tale of duality, identity and the repetition of patterns, all tied to the mysterious sessions in an exclusive, underground club- the creepy recurring manifestations of creatures of the eight-legged variety act as the film's only "clues".  This is a rather dark affair, permeated with shadowy, brooding sequences and yellow-tinted cinematography- the experience is punctuated by a simplistic, yet unnerving score.

One aspect I just couldn't buy into: Gyllenhaal's Professor version leads a rather distracted existence, even though he experiences regular lovemaking sessions with his alluring girlfriend, played by the Goddess Melanie Laurent (Inglourious Basterds 2009)- I’m sorry, but to be intimate with Laurent couldn't be anything less than AMAZINGLY GLORIOUS!  Laurent and Gadon (A Dangerous Method), although sparingly utilized, put in solid supporting work as our duo’s respective love interests.  Isabella Rossellini (Blue Velvet) makes a brief appearance as one of the men's mother.

Have fun deciphering the enigmatic on-screen proceedings- refreshingly, the narrative doesn't spoon feed it's intentions or ultimate meaning to an audience… I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Some will love it, some will hate it, while most will be left scratching their heads.  Those who seek out quality films that are "a little different" will probably find Enemy a highly rewarding experience.  As for myself, I understood it, enjoyed it and will remember the very last scene for the remainder of my life...

Not for all tastes, but Highly Recommended for the adventurous...


9.0 out of 10

Director: Denis Villeneuve
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal (x2), Melanie Laurent, Sarah Gadon and Isabella Rossellini
Run-Time: 90 minutes
MPAA: Rated R for some strong sexual content, graphic nudity and language