This film manages to be a gripping suspense story, though its resolution seems surprisingly straightforward given how much promise it initially displayed. Nocturnal Animals begins exceptionally well, evoking the atmosphere of films like Lost Highway or Mulholland Dr.. The protagonist exists within a world of wealth and beautiful artwork, which contributes to both the excitement and dreamlike quality as the narrative unfolds. Reading her former partner's novel is an unsettling experience that feels akin to being trapped in a nightmare. Initially, the story’s tone resembles Michael Haneke’s Funny Games; Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s performance in the opening scene masterfully creates suspense through his character’s psychological tactics. However, the plot then shifts into a more conventional crime narrative, propped up by a diverting portrayal from Michael Shannon. While there's clear potential for a deeply puzzling thriller, it ultimately chooses to spell everything out clearly. As someone who appreciates Lynch’s work, I found myself wanting something more unusual. My hope was to be left with questions, but the ending felt rather predictable.

Source on TMDB