'Stuck' is Brilliant, Unnerving

Stuart Gordon (Re-Animator, Castle Freak) has spent the past quarter-century making a name for himself in cult horror. His 1979 debut Re-Animator became an instant classic, and his mastery of suspense, gore, and moments of "Is this really happening on screen right now?" has yet to run dry. The latter of his talents is what has put him well above other directors in the genre. Inspired by and often adapting the works of H.P. Lovecraft, Gordon has twisted novelty with expert pacing, unique mood-setting, and moments that will continue to resonate long after the movie is over.

In his latest film, Stuck, Gordon proves that he can apply his style and skills to works outside the horror genre. The plot centers around two very different people: Brandi (Mena Suvari), a caring, hard-working nurse, and Thomas (Stephen Rea), an unemployed older man who has just recently become homeless. Driving home after a night of partying, Brandi accidentally hits Thomas as he's looking for shelter for the night. What could have been a hit-and-run is made infinitely more complicated by the fact that Thomas is stuck in the windshield of her car... and still alive.

The events that follow serve as a haunting exploration of how and why good people can end up doing horrible things. Instead of giving in and admitting defeat by the hands of fate, Brandi retains the mindset of a hit-and-run driver and parks the car in the garage with Thomas still stuck in the glass. It essentially answers the question, "What would happen if you took the 'run' out of 'hit-and-run'?"

As Brandi refuses to help Thomas, even blaming him for the situation and accusing him of trying to ruin her life, we get a peek at the extents to which entitlement and privilege have trapped the minds of younger generations. Everyone has had moments when a loved one is sick or hurt, or a friend's grandmother passed away, and their first thoughts are of how their plans for the weekend are completely ruined. It may only last a split-second, but it happens. This movie explores what would happen if that split-second lasted longer- hours, even days.

It even has fantastic marketing

Mena Suvari is brilliant in the role, proving herself once again to be that beautiful petite blond who is more serious about acting than appearing on the cover of a magazine. As with her stunning role in American Beauty, Suvari is comfortable and unafraid to play every aspect of the character. Yes, she has another nude scene, and once again it is played professionally rather than gratuitously. Out of all the former rom-com idols from the turn of the millennium, Suvari is one of the few brave enough to take on 'real' roles, and go as far as needed without holding back.

With Stuck, Gordon has crafted what could have been a teen thriller into a very serious film that will surely anger you and shake you up at exactly the moments he intends. The fact that for most of the movie one of the two leads is wedged in a car windshield is a gimmick reminiscent of Gordon's long-enduring style. If he didn't initiate this project, surely it's what drew him to it. Additionally, the exploration of humanity's dark side, and the corruptible nature of even the purest minds, is a theme Gordon has explored since his first films (see From Beyond).

It's difficult to think of anyone who shouldn't see this movie. It's scary enough that the easily frightened will have a fun ride, and for those who appreciate intense drama and character-related thematic crafting, you will no doubt get your fill. Lastly, if you're a fan of Stuart Gordon, you don't need to be told to go out and rent this movie right away. You're probably at the video store right now.