Review: ‘Closure’ on DVD

This one’s for all you X-Files nuts out there … Closure is a great little sleeper film that’s gone under the radar … way under. Other than the Internet dudes looking for clips of Gillian’s nude scenes, I doubt anyone else has heard of this movie. That’s about to change. Written and directed by Dan Reed, Closure stars Gillian Anderson (X-Files) and Danny Dyer (Severance) as two victims struggling with their desire for vengeance. The film was also released under the title Straightheads, which … I really don’t get?

Adam (Dyer) is a custom security system installer who has been hired by Alice (Anderson). He finishes up the job at Alice’s flat and she asks him to join her at her boss’ house-warming party out in the country. He obliges, and the two of them find each other to be kindred spirits. As they’re returning late at night from the party, a series of events along the country road lead to their being brutally attacked by three men. Adam and Alice awake the following morning and spend the next month together trying to cope with what’s happened. Alice, who was raped by the men, can no longer stand idly by while the authorities do nothing. She has vengeance in her heart. Adam struggles with what Alice is suggesting they do, but in the heat of the moment Adam and Alice find themselves in opposite roles as the suspenseful story boils to a head.

I like both of these actors, and this movie showcases their talents. Nearly the entire film consists of these two characters. Gillian Anderson is excellent as Alice, especially the scenes where she has to pull of some pretty difficult emotions. The better part of the film’s middle deals primarily with Adam and Alice’s intimate relationship that has been sealed and tested by this tragic event. The ending truly does not disappoint, but some viewers may find parts of it difficult to watch. This is the second film Anderson has done since The Last King of Scotland, which was incredible. The X-Files sequel is approaching, which means we’ll see more of Scully, but I’m eager to see what other “real” roles she’ll be tackling.

[rating:4/5]