The Double Movie Review (2013)
They say that there are no original ideas, but when it comes to film, that’s not entirely true. The Double is a little film that makes you think, and in its own way, it stands out in the crowd.
Many feel like they don’t exist in this world. They walk through a crowd or visit the same restaurant and don’t get recognized or acknowledged in any way. It’s a tough place to be, feeling like no one sees you, and that is squarely where this film sets us.
The Double is about Simon James, a man who just exists. No one notices or appreciates him at work, people force themselves into his space without any pushback, and he lives day-to-day dreaming about the girl who he watches through a telescope. One random day, a man named James Simon arrives at work and in an apartment in his building. James has the same face, the same body, the same everything, but he is confident, aggressive, and all of the things that Simon isn’t. While things begin with James attempting to help Simon open up to a real existence, they don’t stay that way.
This film is a fascinating look at two sides of the same coin. Simon, who has no real outward emotions (other than frustration) is stifled and feels wooden, like Pinocchio. Not like a real boy. James, who is essentially Simon’s id, thinks about getting what he wants at all costs. Sex, job promotions, adoration – anything that appeals to him, and sometimes just to stick it to someone else.
How far are you willing to let someone push you before you fight back? When someone threatens your very existence to the point where people are telling you that you don’t exist, what do you do? These are the questions that drive the narrative and it’s exhilarating to watch the decisions that are ultimately made.
The musical choices in The Double are outstanding. With orchestral music playing throughout, it builds a tension, anxiety, and excitement that I fully connected with while watching. And then, there is absolute silence, which hits you like a brick.
Another key line that this movie walks is whether knowing someone intimately is creepy or romantic. Watching someone through a telescope is creepy, but when that person doesn’t feel like they exist either, is it romantic? Stealing their garbage is creepy, but if the garbage was a ruined artistic creation, is it more acceptable?
I found this film thoroughly entertaining and, with a short runtime of only 93 minutes, I never felt like there was fluff. Definitely see this movie. (This is the 2013 film The Double, not the Richard Gere 2011 film)
Runtime: 93 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: R
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? No, not that kind of movie
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
Available: To rent on Prime Video or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
