Actors: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Directors: Tom Ford
Rated: R
Studio: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: February 21, 2017
Run Time: 116 minutes
Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars
“Nocturnal Animals” is easily one of the worst films I saw in 2016. I was so damn bored watching this movie. The story was so interesting at first but after a little bit it just lost me and I was left waiting for a big payoff that might have not made me feel like I wasted two hours of my life…but it never came. Acting wise the film is a hit, Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon and Aaron Taylor-Johnson are all outstanding and that is where the two stars came from in my rating. If you are a hardcore Tom Ford fan, you might enjoy but I am not and I didn’t. Hard pass on this one folks!
Official Premise: Susan (Amy Adams) is living through an unfulfilling marriage when she receives a package containing a novel manuscript from her ex-husband, Edward (Jake Gyllenhaal). The novel is dedicated to her but its content is violent and devastating. Susan cannot help but reminisce over her past love story with the author. Increasingly she interprets the book as a tale of revenge, a tale that forces her to re-evaluate the choices that she has made, and reawakens a love that she feared was lost.
Universal released “Nocturnal Animals” as a combo pack including Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD copy. The 1080p transfer looks solid. I did like the way the film was shot. It was very well done. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track works well with the score to build up suspense. The special features are a bit of a let down three-part featurette called “The Making of Nocturnal Animals” including the following “Building the Story,” “The Look of Nocturnal Animals,” and “The Filmmaker’s Eye: Tom Ford.” No commentary with the cast/crew or anything else included.
