Film Review: EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE (2021): An Edge of Your Seat Thrill Ride

Every Breath You Take Review

Every Breath You Take (2021) Film Review, a movie directed by Vaughn Stein, and starring Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Sam Claflin, India Eisley, Veronica Ferres, and Emily Alyn Lind.

Oscar Winner Casey Affleck (Manchester By the Sea) stars in the gripping new psychological thriller Every Breath You Take, a serviceable thrill ride that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats throughout.

Affleck is cast opposite the always reliable Michelle Monaghan (Gone Baby Gone, where she also played opposite Casey Affleck) and the stellar Sam Claflin (Me Before You). The film is a throwback to classic thrillers like Fatal Attraction or Unlawful Entry where good people encounter an evil person set on destroying their lives. This time, director Vaughn Stein’s new film takes the levels to new heights thanks to Claflin’s bone-chilling, star-making performance.

Affleck plays Philip, a psychiatrist who is breaking new ground with a female patient named Daphne (Emily Alyn Lind) as the film’s main storyline begins. Philip’s sense of caring and understanding seems to have made a big difference on this patient who had a controlling boyfriend in her life. The plot kicks into gear as this patient commits suicide. Enter her brother James (Claflin) who is a book writer. He comes to see Philip unexpectedly one day at Philip’s home. Philip’s wife Grace (Monaghan), a real estate agent, invites him in and all hell is about to break loose in true psychological thriller style.

Gifted young actress India Eisley co-stars as Lucy, Philip’s troubled daughter from another marriage. James takes an interest in her and the roller coaster ride begins. Soon, Philip’s marriage is in jeopardy as well as Sam also pursues a romantic interest in Grace.

Affleck is a talented actor as evidenced by his Oscar win and plays a great everyman. We want to root for his character throughout and we do thanks to Affleck’s superb work. As Philip’s job starts to be in jeopardy as a result of “patient complaints,” Philip finds himself struggling to stay afloat. The audience will be with him every step of the way.

Monaghan holds her own beside Affleck and creates a very believable relationship with Affleck’s character through her characterization. As the troubled Lucy, Eisley adds dimensions to the character making us want to see her happy as her character struggles with what seems to be severe depression. Eisley is one of the most promising young actresses working today if her work in this film is any indication.

Claflin, however, is the glue that holds this move together. His multi-faceted, creepy psycho turn is the complete opposite of his work in the romantic drama Me Before You from 2016. I like how, at times throughout the film, Claflin makes us question his character’s motives and the performance keeps us wondering which way he’ll turn next. This performance ranks up there with Ray Liotta’s crazy cop in Unlawful Entry in terms of scariness. Claflin rarely hits a false note and is simply bone-chilling.

Every Breath You Take has so many plot twists. They are unveiled rather quickly and almost with little or no preparation for them. This can make a viewer frustrated at times as one wonders where the plot is ultimately headed. There are good reasons things occur as they do in the film, though, and the ending in particular will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat as Philip finally gets a copy of James’ book and the huge plot twist of the picture is revealed.

This film is a truly terrifying picture. It is well made and well acted. Thriller fans will love it. Some plot points are a little implausible but, if you don’t look too closely, you’re bound to really be captivated by this film.

Rating: 7/10

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