Nocturnal Animals (2016)

Tom Ford puts the thrills into the psychological thriller Nocturnal Animals (2016), not to be confused with the chiller diller Nocturnal Fury (2011). Based on Austin Wright’s novel “Tony and Susan” (1993), this neo-noir flick features a story within a story. Affluent art gallery owner Susan Morrow (Amy Adams) is married to an attractive albeit distant man (Armie Hammer). As such, she seems unhappy and tired since she seldom sleeps. If that’s not unsettling enough, her ex-husband Edward Sheffield (Jake Gyllenhaal) has authored a new book. Not only does he send it to Susan, he dedicates it to her. The novel follows Tony Hastings (Gyllenhaal), his wife Laura (Isla Fisher) and their teenaged daughter India (Ellie Bamber). When their car breaks down on an isolated road in West Texas, a gang of thugs (Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Karl Glusman and Robert Aramayo) kidnap the women. With the help of Detective Bobby Andes (Michael Shannon), Tony locates his loved ones — too late. As you can guess, Susan is distressed to read Laura and India were killed, especially since they represent her and Edward’s unborn baby that she aborted years ago. Nevertheless, Susan agrees to meet with her strange estranged husband. But he never shows up. At least, when Jake plays Tony he shows off his muscular chest. Not to be outdone, Mr. Taylor-Johnson flashes his abs and side ass. No wonder he won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. Plus, Mr. Man has a statuette in his pants with Aaron’s name on it!