Compulsion (2008)

Absolutely the worst movie.

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

What a thoughtfully, minutely elaborated plot! This movie delivers everything you would expect of a contemporary drama but without giving in to your expectations. It is a by the book three act drama with introduction, intrigue and denouement. Do not read any external reviews before watching this superbly molded film if you want to enjoy the suspense it provides. Its main theme, as I see it, is the impact of sexual and erotic urges on our lives and where they will take us under certain circumstances. Its style is sound, solid, down to earth, not in the least arty or over-ambitious. Its figures are believable and psychologically thought-out.

I watched Compulsion a few years ago and having got the chance to watch it again last night I must admit my opinion on it has changed from the first time I watched it. What I remembered as being a brilliant thriller was actually very slow & cringy. I remembered it being sexy but this time round I found myself watching Ray Winston from behind a cushion. The story did hold my attention and so I would recommend but just to warn anyone with a weak stomach you do see Ray Winston naked which ain't pretty. The story is far fetched but does give hope to over weight middle aged men.

Don't be fooled by the first 10 minutes, don't zap away – you are in for a surprisingly good psycho-thriller ride which keeps you guessing again and again – and you might be quite wrong! – and keeps giving the screw one more turn. Just don't ask for credibility. The script provides too little background on one of the leading characters – but then credibility is not what you necessarily are looking for in a psycho thriller made for TV. The story shows us the life of a wealthy British-Indian family. Daughter Anjika has just finished her studies in Cambridge and her father has selected an appropriate groom for her. But Anjika has a secret boyfriend, Alex – penniless, of course! – and doesn't want an arranged marriage. And there is the chauffeur, Flowers, who doesn't only drive the family members, but seems to be the keeper of everybody's secrets. He has been in love with Anjika for a long time….. It is difficult to say more or put in some criticism without giving too much away. The script is uneven and full of cracks, some of the dialog is trite, but you will be rewarded with great performances by Ray "Sexy Beast" Winstone and Parminder Nagra.

This is a very very very good thriller so please don't let you get fooled by the low rating! Watch this movie, because it is not at all the kind of story it initially seems to be. Anjika (Parminder Naga) finished her studies at the university together with her boyfriend Alex. Anjika is Indian but her wealthy family lives in Londen, but they don't know she has a boyfriend. Her parents now are arranging her marriage with the son of her father's business-partner. Anjika is perplex and refuses the marriage. But her father is persistent. But what initially seems to be a romantic chic flick, changes into a dark erotic thriller . . there is a totally unexpected twist in the story! So it becomes a highly erotic thriller, with the very beautiful Parminder Naga playing a character that evolves in a way no one would ever suspect. . ! . . there I've said more than enough . . . see it and you won't be disappointed!