It's a complicated movie, with few people you’ll likely root for, though it’s not entirely without merit. The story begins by introducing Susan Morrow, an art gallery owner who is both refined and stylish, and who struggles with insomnia. She receives a drawing illustrating a novel that her former spouse will be editing. As she reads, the film shifts to show us the narrative he created: a typical family whose vacation turns into a nightmare when they’re ambushed on a remote road and taken hostage by criminals. The main character in this story is a gentle man who finds himself facing an ordeal. Simultaneously, Susan recalls various moments from her relationship, which weren't always positive. The movie isn't terrible, but it demands the audience's focus to keep track of the three separate storylines unfolding. By far the most compelling and memorable aspect is the story within a story—the novel written by her ex-husband. I didn’t connect with Susan; she seemed rather flat and unengaging. The depiction of her marriage and divorce contains elements that make it even harder to feel any connection to her. Amy Adams portrays the main character in a respectable and thoughtful way, though this is one of those roles where you never truly understand her because she doesn't reveal much about herself. Jake Gyllenhaal proves more captivating, playing two distinct characters: Susan’s ex-husband and the protagonist of the novel she reads—a likable man who finds himself in a terrible situation despite his best efforts to avoid it. It seems Isla Fisher could have easily been given Adams' character, as their roles appear somewhat interchangeable; Fisher is a capable actress but has little to do here. Michael Shannon and Aaron Taylor-Johnson both deliver solid performances in impactful parts. The film utilizes cinematography effectively to express the characters’ emotions: from Susan’s sense of isolation to the peril and anxiety experienced by those in the novel's story. A palette of dark colors, carefully designed settings, and a clever approach to lighting and camera angles all heighten these feelings. The sets and costumes are well-done, and the music is subtle but adds to the overall effect.

Source on TMDB