Derailed

“Derailed” from 2005, directed by Swedish filmmaker Mikael Hafstrom and written by Stuart Beattie (adapted from James Siegel’s novel), is a tense and gripping thriller that blends sleek production values with strong performances from its excellent cast. The story follows Charles Schine (Clive Owen), a weary advertising executive whose chance encounter with Lucinda Harris (Jennifer Aniston) leads to an illicit affair, only for them to be caught in a violent blackmail scheme orchestrated by the ruthless LaRoche (Vincent Cassel). But all is not what it seems. The supporting cast, including Xzibit, RZA, and Melissa George, adds grit and texture to the proceedings, while the Chicago locations, shot in both the city’s bustling urban centers and atmospheric rail yards, give the film a raw, authentic backdrop. Cinematographer Peter Biziou captures both the glossy boardrooms and the shadowy underworld with equal skill, while Ed Shearmur’s moody score heightens the tension and paranoia. This movie was noted for pairing Aniston, largely known at the time for comedic roles, with a darker, dramatic character, adding to its overall, compelling intrigue. Owen and Cassel actually performed many of their own intense fight sequences, giving the confrontations a visceral realism, and their interactions, both physical and verbal, are a highlight. This emotional rollercoaster ride delivers a suspenseful, almost non-stop edginess that grips you from the very first scene, to the shocking conclusion. Its unpredictable twists and turns and the first-rate cast make this a memorable and unforgettable experience, with Hitchcockian overtures aplenty, and firmly mark this as a true undiscovered gem.