Writer: Javier Gullon (Screenplay) Jose Saramago (Novel)
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Melanie Laurent, Sarah Gadon, Isabella Rossellini, Joshua Peace, Tim Post
Plot: A man seeks out his exact look-alike after spotting him in a movie.
There may be spoilers the rest of the review
Verdict: Confusingly Disturbing
Story: Enemy starts by taking us into an underground club where we witness an unusually ceremony involving a spider which Anthony (Gyllenhaal) is a part of. We move to meet Adam (Gyllenhaal again) a history teacher who is involved in a relationship with Mary (Laurent). Adam comes off as a lonely person and after being suggested a movie he notices is doppelganger in the film leading him to try and investigate who this man is.
After making contact with Anthony, Adam gets Anthony interested in who Adam is as well as Anthony’s pregnant wife Helen (Gadon). When Anthony and Adam meet things take a turn when they both want to learn more about each other behind each other’s back and Anthony starts acting very strange.
Enemy really comes off confusing as we watching what seems to two different people trying to figure out who they are and what they mean. In fairness we get to see plenty of confusing moments and you will have to sit and watch, read into everything to try and piece together what it all means. If you want to just sit and enjoy a film with no thinking this is one to stay away from but this will test your mind.
Actor Review
Jake Gyllenhaal: Adam + Anthony, Adam is a routine driven history teacher who gets wind of his doppelganger Anthony and starts’ investigating him, Anthony is a model/actor who becomes intrigued once Adam starts contacting him. We watch how both try to figure out what is going on with both having different motives for the truth. Jake gives a brilliant performance in both roles showing two different characters questioning his mind.
Adam
Anthony
Melanie Laurent: Mary is Adam’s girlfriend, she doesn’t say much and seems very cold towards Adam, and she doesn’t get too involved in the searching but becomes a pawn in the game being played by Anthony. Melanie only gets a small supporting role but is important between the two characters.
Sarah Gadon: Helen is the wife of Anthony who is convinced he is cheating on her and can’t believe how similar Adam and Anthony look but how different they both act. Sarah also only gets a supporting role but like Melanie is important to the final outcome.
Support Cast: Enemy doesn’t have too many supporting characters as we focus on the two characters all the way through.
Director Review: Denis Villeneuve – Denis gives us a mind bending film that is very confusing but has a brilliant story once you figure it all out.
Mystery: Enemy really does keep us wondering what is happening with Adam and Anthony.
Thriller: Enemy keeps your attention from start to finish.
Settings: Enemy uses the settings to show the different version of Adam and Anthony throughout the film.
Special Effects: Enemy has good effects when needed mostly with the spider creations.
Suggestion: Enemy is one for film fans that enjoy thinking about what they are watching. (Give Full Attention)
Best Part: Figuring it all out.
Worst Part: It is very confusing.
Oh My God Moment: The End
Believability: No
Chances of Tears: No
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Awards: Won 10 awards and nominated for another 7.
Oscar Chances: No
Box Office: $3.3 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Tagline: You can’t escape Yourself!
Trivia: The cast signed a confidentiality agreement that doesn’t allow them to speak and/or explain to the press the meaning of spiders in the movie.
Overall: Can you figure it all out?
Rating