Yet another film adaptation of a novel, this one based on a best seller of the same title. It was the debut novel by British author SJ Watson, described by The New York Times as as "out-of-nowhere literary sensation". I haven't read the book, but the film certainly had me rooted to my seat, wondering what way the story would turn next.
In quite a demanding role, Nicole Kidman stars as Christine Lucas, a 40-year-old woman who suffers from amnesia, and wakes up every day without a memory of the last ten years of her life. Her husband Ben (Colin Firth) seems to be a devoted spouse and spends each morning reminding his wife of who she is and of her life, before heading to work and returning later for more questions. Sleep is an interval before the ritual begins once again the next day, and each day after.
What Ben doesn't know is that Christine has been recently contacted by a psychologist, Dr Nash (Mark Strong), who encouraged her to begin keeping a video diary to perhaps help her remember some of the gaps in her memory. He also rings her every morning, after Ben's gone, to reintroduce himself.
Gradually, Christine starts to piece together some fragments of her past, which cast doubts over Ben and his version of events, particularly in relation to her family, best friend (played by Anne-Marie Duff), and the cause of her amnesia.
Now while we're not talking Hitchcock here, this is a very enjoyable thriller, with Kidman putting a huge amount of emotion into her role. The support cast is impressive, particularly Colin Firth, and especially as his character plays with his stereotypical nice guy image. Is Ben the caring husband he appears to be? Is Dr Nash sincere or playing mind games with Christine?
Oh, and if you're a big softie (beats being a cynic!), bring some tissues for the ending.
