NYFF52 REVIEW: GONE GIRL

BY MATEO MORENO

For anyone and everyone who is worried that the new film adaptation of GONE GIRL won't live up to your memories of the novel let me reassure you: Director David Fincher has crafted one hell of a film here. Sleek and mysterious, pulsating and riveting, it's truly a mark of filmmaking wonder. Luck for us, the film adaptation is done by the novel's writer herself, Gillian Flynn, and she captures the wonder that sat on those pages with sharp and clear strokes. To those who haven't yet read the thrilling page turner, the story follows Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) and his wife Amy (Rosamund Pike) as they move from Manhattan to Nick's childhood home of Missouri. One evening, Nick returns home to an open door, shattered glass, and Amy is nowhere to be seen. Amy has suddenly disappeared. The police, led by Detective Rhonda Boney (Kim Dickens) and Officer Jim Gilpin (Patrick Fugit), begin searching for answers and Nick turns to his sister Margo (Carrie Coon) for support. But what exactly, if anything, is Nick hiding? What will the police find? What did happen to Amy? Well if you've read the novel, you may think you know, but Flynn has shaken up the third act here, so even you are in for a treat.

Fincher creates a world and atmosphere here that is intoxicating; thrilling, bleak, and simmering with mysteries at every turn, with a swelling media circus encompassing everyone. Switching between each day Amy is missing and pages of her diary recounting their life together, GONE GIRL captures you from minute one. Affleck is perfect; quiet and powerful here as a smug man who has trouble convincing the public of his compassion. Pike's performance brims with wonder as we piece together who Amy really was. Carrie Coon turns in fantastic work here as Nick's twin sister Margo. And the large supporting cast, from Kim Dickens to Patrick Fugit, Neil Patrick Harris and Tyler Perry (yes, THAT Tyler Perry) all shine from each moment to the next. Kudos as well to Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for their haunting score. Even as you learn this town's dirty little secrets, Fincher and Lynne keep you guessing and keep their narrative hand gripping your throat. GONE GIRL does not disappoint, it transcends.

VERDICT: A MUST SEE

Based on the novel by Gillian Flynn Screenplay by Gillian Flynn Directed by David Fincher Starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Carrie Coon, Kim Dickens, Patrick Fugit, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry. CONTENT ADVISORY: Adult Situations, Adult Language, Graphic Violence, Nudity

BOTTOM LINE: Fans of the novel will be pleased and those who haven't read it will go pick it up. Another excellent offering from the master that is David Fincher.