THE DOUBLE

Basically…

Government office worker, Simon, (Jesse Eisenberg), makes so little impact on the people around him he goes by completely unnoticed on a daily basis. But when new employee James, (also Eisenberg), starts the same job he grows increasingly disturbed by how identical in appearance, yet how different in personality they are. Facing a battle, both in his career and love life, he fights to stop James completely stealing his identity and taking over his life.

In other words…

Two Eisenberg’s for the price of one. What more could you want?

The main men and leading ladies…

The Social Network, Now You See Me, even his brief appearance in Modern Family – Eisenberg is quickly becoming typecast as the irritatingly, arrogant, cocky little shit you would love to put your fist through. But at the same time you can’t help but love him for it. Like a young Benedict Cumberbatch he possesses the same conceited attitude that shouldn’t make him endearing, yet it does, to a tee. In The Double we’re treated to two sides of Eisenberg though – the timid wallflower, and the Tyler Durden-esque opportunist who wings his way through life - both of which he pulls off effortlessly and to perfection.

In the chair…

Richard Ayoade, (yes, that guy from the IT Crowd) follows up Submarine with yet another edgy and dark cult feast. He continues to use a deadpan tone well and is already developing a reputation for a distinct style behind the camera.

So…?

It’s a bleak and claustrophobic world Simon suffers in which makes viewing a pleasantly uncomfortable experience. As he becomes increasingly paranoid at the arrival of his doppelganger, resentment grows and tensions rise. The intriguing and mysterious Mia Wasikowska is perfect for the role of Hannah, who is sucked into the charismatic ways of James, much to the agony of Simon. His sheer disbelief at his colleague’s inability to notice the resemblance is one thing, but losing the girl he loves to the same face but different personality sparks a different type of psychological struggle. The cinematography is stunning, the tone is chilling and the underlying message of identity is a powerful one.

Worth the money?

If you’re in the mood for something dark, yes.