Ave Phoenix

For all of its shortcomings, such as being predictable and reminiscent of similar plots found in other mystery Thrillers, this film is worth the watch. It does manage to be puzzling and convoluted and to leave the viewer craving to find out whatever happened to Sam's wife and daughter. Sam Worthington's acting lends weight to the overwhelming, overbearing atmosphere of utter confusion and somewhat reminded me of his performance in 2012's Man on a Ledge. The mechanism of selective memory after a trauma through flashbacks is delved into and how the viewer is also left at times racking his brains to choose between the alternative reality which Ray's mind has contrived and the actual course of events. It also brings to the fore societal issues such as DUI, the absurd and burdensome bureaucracy that goes into checking in an emergency service, hospital staff incompetence and organ donation. The compelling photography, crooked camera angles and the unsettling, musical score add up to the sense of angst and impending doom and are skillfully used to build up suspense and keep the viewer on edge. It makes for an enjoyable watch all in all.