TIFF Report: Chloe Review
Spectacularly beautiful and intense, Chloe is a slice of character piece heaven, a sexual thriller that unites visceral tone and acting brilliantly. Directed by Atom Egoyan, wildly known for his films in the sexual arena (The Adjuster, Exotica, and more notably Where the Truth Lies), Chloe is an alluring, yet mature complement to his collection.
Julianne Moore plays Catherine, a Toronto Gynecologist who suspects her husband David (Liam Neeson) is having an affair; she hires a prostitute, Chloe (Amanda Seyfried), to seduce him. Scripted by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary) from the French drama “Nathalie”, the story mostly focuses on the relationship between the two women; through circumstances they both develop a bond with each other. While the plot delves into David’s infidelity, most of it remains off screen; titillating the acts themselves through words and reactions (Chloe portrays her encounters with him to Catherine in great verbal detail; this causing her imagination to stir). There are certainly fantastic situations in the film, however there is such a strong sense of reality to the portrayed ideas and sharp performances that it is only a mild nuisance.
Julianne Moore’s performance is breathtaking, as the disconnected Catherine her emotions are living and breathing vividly in every facet of her face. Amanda Seyfried is striking; the first image of the film is of her and we never forget that (“I can be your living, breathing dream and then disappear”). She is a remarkable natural beauty that you believe in – her performance is cogent, so remarkably telling. Julianne Moore and Seyfried have fine chemistry; their scenes together are deeply effective while the plot evolves around them in often surprising ways.
The ending is unforgettable; the final image of the film stays with you long after you’ve left the theatre.
Score: 4 ½ out of 5
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Categories: Fused Movies
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