Tense thriller based on the novel by James Siegel. Charles Schine (Clive Owen) and Lucinda Harris (Jennifer Aniston) have noticed each other on the commuter train before. One morning their conversation leads to a flirtation which turns into an evening of drink and then, before either one can stop it, a passionate one-night stand. But suddenly a stranger explodes into their world, threatening to expose their secret, and lures them into a terrifying game with more surprises than they saw coming and more danger than they may survive.
Starring: Clive Owen, Jennifer Aniston, Vincent Cassel, Melissa George, Addison Timlin
Directed by: Mikael Håfström
Runtime: 108 minutes
Studio: The Weinstein Company
Amazon USAmazon UKIMDBReview: Derailed
A harsh lesson is learned by Charles Schine (Clive Owen) in this intricate thriller. Nursing the responsibilities of his marriage to Deanna (Melissa George) with the expensive treatment of their diabetic daughter, Amy (Addison Timlin, Charles is constantly overworked and stressed by uncertainty. One day he has an encounter on a train to work with Lucinda Harris (Jennifer Aniston) who helps him out when he has no money for a ticket. What begins as a brief encounter soon develops into intimacy as the couple stay out late for a few drinks and later head to a hotel for either a one night stand or the beginning of an affair. Both Charles and Lucinda are soon made to regret their indiscretion.
Before making themselves comfortable at the hotel, an armed thug named Philippe LaRoche (Vincent Cassell) bursts into the unlocked room. After beating Charles into unconsciousness he rapes Lucinda before making his escape. Agreeing not to report the crime to keep their would be affair secret, Charles assumes the matter is over until Philippe contacts him and demands $20,000 otherwise he will harm Charles’ family. Charles risks everything by paying the debt but a few weeks later, Philippe calls him again and wants $100,000 this time. Charles has the money but it has been set aside in savings for his daughter’s medical care. What is he to do? Pay the money and hope Philippe goes away? Or does he try and find another way to stop him? Can Lucinda help him in some way?
Derailed is a decent enough thriller with enough twists and turns to maintain the interest to the denouement. The two leads are outshone by the bad guy here but you will still find yourself in pretty good company as poor Clive Owen tries to unravel this one. There are many reasons to remain monogamous to your partner and Derailed is yet another example of the dangers of infidelity.
Verdict: 4/5
(Film source: reviewer’s own copy)
About the Author:
I was born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England and have always been a bookworm and enjoyed creative writing at school. In 1999 I created the Elencheran Chronicles and have been writing ever since. My first novel, Fezariu's Epiphany, was published in May 2011. When not writing I'm a lover of films, games, books and blogging. I now live in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, with my wife, Donna, and our six cats - Kain, Razz, Buggles, Charlie, Bilbo and Frodo.
David M. Brown – who has written 850 posts on Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave.
