Just What the Doctor Ordered

Just What the Doctor Ordered hit movie aficionados' screens in 2021, stirring up audiences with its engaging and thrilling storyline. It features Eric Roberts, Grace Patterson, and Carrie Schroeder in pivotal roles; each delivers captivating performances, the combination of which only heightens the overall cinematic experience.

The movie opens with a girl, Grace Patterson, who has recently lost her father. Grief-stricken and deeply affected, she is trying desperately to reconcile her father's sudden disappearance from her life. Her fragile emotional state pushes her to seek therapeutic help, and she finds solace in dialogue. Here enters Dr. Albert "Bert" Beck, a seemingly ordinary psychiatrist played by the detailed, Oscar-nominated actor, Eric Roberts. He is a therapist with an impressive academic background and an equally impressive list of clientele.

Dr. Bert first appears as being sympathetic and genuinely concerned about his patients. However, not everything is as it seems, and the plot unfolds by unraveling the intricate dimensions of his character. Eric Roberts does an exceptional job portraying his character and his acting prowess is commendable, for he swiftly maintains a fine balance between his polished professional virtues and the underlying sinister motives, a duality that keeps the viewers on their toes.

We also get to meet Grace Patterson's mother, enacted by Carrie Schroeder, who struggles to watch her daughter grapple with sorrow. While the mother approves of therapy and encourages her daughter to help unravel her psychological distress, too many questions arise when the bond between the doctor and the daughter becomes a cause of concern for her. Schroeder excellently portrays a mother's concern and suspicion, which adds another layer of complexity and tension to the film.

Shot with London as a backdrop, the movie is soaked in exquisite visuals, the beauty of which is enhanced by director Jeff Hare's unique approach. The use of lighting in different scenes aligns perfectly with the emotional landscape, creating an enticing visual impact connected to the storyline's mood swings.

The movie's psychological theme brings into play various elements of psychiatry and the human mind. The plot cleverly interweaves elements such as trust, power dynamics, fear, manipulation, and the rawness and vulnerability of human emotion, with each element being interwoven to form a labyrinth that will keep the viewers guessing. The film dives deep into the human psyche, exploring its darkest nooks, and that's where the chills come in.

Although there's a fair amount of suspense involved in Just What the Doctor Ordered, it is sprinkled with doses of dramatic encounters that contribute to the emotional richness of the film. Often dark, but compellingly realistic at the same time, the script, penned by Anna Rasmussen, accentuates the complex dynamics that exist between a psychiatrist and his patient.

The score used in the movie also adds intensity to the scenes, drawing the audience deeper into the plot. Created by Alexis Grapsas, the music intertwines perfectly with the film's haunting narrative and the suspenseful mood throughout.

Just What the Doctor Ordered is a psychological thriller dressed up as a drama. It probes the boundaries of emotional understanding and stability, examines professional ethics, and throws light on some of the darkest corners of human psychological peculiarities. The movie successfully includes a variety of elements that contribute to an exhilarating roller-coaster ride, making it a 'must-see' for thriller and drama enthusiasts.

With immaculate performances from the leading actors, intriguing direction, a well-written script, beautiful cinematography, and an evocative score, Just What the Doctor Ordered offers a compelling cinematic experience. It is more than just a movie—it is an invitation to embark on a journey into the depths of the human mind.