A Kind of Murder

A Kind of Murder is a 2016 American psychological crime drama that keeps you on edge till the very last scene. It is a type of film that beckons you to sink into the complexity of the characters and the mysterious plot. Directed by Andy Goddard, known for his work on Downton Abbey, it stars Patrick Wilson, Jessica Biel, and Haley Bennett.

This intriguing movie is based on the novel "The Blunderer" by Patricia Highsmith, a celebrated author renowned for "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and "Strangers on a Train". This novel-inspired film has the signature characteristics of Highsmith: characters with moral ambiguity, subconscious desires steering actions, and shady motives leading to a psychological thriller that resonates with viewers long after the film has ended.

The storyline revolves around Walter Stackhouse, played by Patrick Wilson, who is a successful architect in the 1960s. He leads a well-established life that on the surface appears fulfilling, but underneath it, he wrestles with a passionless marriage to his wife Clara, depicted by Jessica Biel. Wilson does a commendable job portraying this character’s dissatisfaction and longing for something more, which lures him into the world of unsolved crimes. Walter's compulsive interest in a murder case involving a bookseller starts a chain of devious actions, unwanted suspicion, and dangerous encounters. The fascination towards the murder case and its probability of being the perfect crime intrigues Walter, more so because the victim was also unhappily married.

Jessica Biel, as Clara, dons the role of a woman suffering from deep-seated paranoia and melancholic restlessness, which often brings out bouts of unpredictable behavior. Her portrayal delivers an artful performance of a woman stuck in a marriage and a life that suffocates her. The tension between the couple intensifies, marking the beginning of their downfall.

Haley Bennett plays Ellie, a beautiful but mysterious woman who becomes an unforeseen player in Walter's life. Bennett's performance enigmatically balances overt sensuality and concealed innocence, creating an intriguing character that is as attractive as she is unpredictable.

One of the prime attractions of the movie is the aesthetic presentation of the 1960s, meticulously created by director Andy Goddard. From tailored suits and polished shoes to the elegant dresses and carefully coiffured hairstyles, the sheer attention to detail will transport you back into the glamour and complexity of this era. The production designers' efforts in creating an authentic backdrop, including the signature architecture and interior design of the era, establish a distinctive atmosphere that amalgamates beautifully with the movie plot's essence.

Furthermore, the cinematography enhances the movie's atmosphere and successfully adds depth to the narrative. Gloomy scenes reminiscent of film noir amplify the intricate web of drama and deception. The film's dimly lit scenes, carefully composed shots, rich color palette, cool tones, and haunting shadows create a suspenseful atmosphere that complements the suspense at the heart of this thriller.

As the plot unravels, the audience cannot help but get drawn further into the mysteries and parallel lives that Wilson's and Biel's characters navigate. As unexpected connections crop up, each character's apprehensions, guilt, and jealousy bubble to the surface, creating a whirlpool of suspicion and rising tension.

A Kind of Murder excels on various levels; whether it is the compelling storyline, exhilarating performances by the lead actors, brilliant cinematography, or the meticulous reproduction of the era's ambiance, the film is sure to keep the audience engaged till the end. It takes you on a suspense-filled journey through the mind of an unhappy man captivated by the notion of the perfect crime and the unraveling of a seemingly complex marriage. The keen attention to the 1960s-era details and the exquisite performances of all characters make this a well-rounded film that is as much a psychological exploration as it is a thrilling crime drama.

No villain or hero is clearly defined in this world, where even a heinous crime draws the viewer's empathy, and love is often entangled with obsession and resentment. A Kind of Murder is a thought-provoking film that will motivate viewers to question the conventional borders of morality, desire, and justice. It is truly a captivating and tense thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.