Enemy is a psychological trip. Despite its contained scale, the film tackles significant themes in abstract ways. Through a small story, ideas of subconsciousness, control, acceptance, objectification, and purpose are deeply examined. However, because Enemy is so metaphorical, it's also open to interpretation. Jake Gyllenhaal plays a troubled man who discovers his doppelganger, which quickly impacts his life and psyche. Surreal elements are sprinkled throughout, making each scene questionably literal. Furthermore, Gyllenhaal's performance (along with the supporting cast) is incredibly detailed and nuanced. This is key since the film is character driven and balances multiple levels of reality.
Meanwhile, the technicals of Enemy are methodical and suggestive. Although it's subtle, the film has a potent atmosphere of anxiety. The cinematography uses sickly yellow coloring and gradual camerawork. The production design adds dingy scenery and symbolic structures. Plus, the melancholy music is unsettling, the editing is dreamlike, and the effects are understated. Together, these aspects delicately contribute to a building sense of dread and disorientation. Essentially, Villeneuve constructed a film that embodies the hypnotic nature of its heady material. Overall, Enemy is a quiet storm from our mental underbelly, making it a true work of art.
Writing: 10/10
Direction: 10/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Acting: 10/10
Editing: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 9/10
Production Design: 8/10
Casting: 8/10
Effects: 9/10
Overall Score: 9.0/10
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