Browse our collection of mystery reviews and ratings.Showing 5 of 5 reviews.
This is a psychological mystery thriller that often gets overshadowed by bigger titles, but it’s worth checking out if you’re in the mood for something tense and a bit off-kilter. The story follows a man obsessed with finding out what happened to his girlfriend after she disappears at a gas station, and the movie’s biggest strength is how it builds a constant sense of dread without ever going full-on horror. Jeff Bridges plays an eccentric, chilling antagonist — it’s genuinely unnerving watching him plot and pace around methodically. What stood out to me was the way the film plays with everyday fears — the casualness of the setting makes the threat feel intensely real. Kiefer Sutherland’s performance as the distressed boyfriend is convincing, and Sandra Bullock (in a smaller but memorable early role) gives the right emotional punch. I do think the remake’s slightly slicker Hollywood approach loses a bit of the original Dutch version’s raw suspense, but the English-language version still gets under your skin. If you like your mysteries psychological and you appreciate slow-burn tension more than action, this is a solid pick. The ending is memorable and divisive (some love it, some hate it), but either way, it's the kind of movie you’ll still be thinking about days later. Skip it if you want fast-paced twists or lots of answers — this one lingers in the questions.
This is a gothic detective mystery set at West Point in the early 1800s, starring Christian Bale as a weary investigator and Harry Melling as a young Edgar Allan Poe. The murder of a cadet pulls both characters into a dark and atmospheric web of secrets, and the film’s chilly, wintry setting gives everything a haunting, almost surreal vibe. It’s more slow-burn than thriller, with plenty of candlelit corridors and fraught conversations. What stood out most to me was the chemistry between Bale and Melling — seeing Poe reimagined as a morbid, clever, but earnest young man keeps things intriguing. The movie plays with literary history in a way that feels respectful and just theatrical enough. The supporting cast (Gillian Anderson, Toby Jones, Timothy Spall) add a lot of flavor, but it’s that sense of creeping unease, like you’re reading an old ghost story by firelight, that lingers after the credits. If you’re looking for an action-packed mystery or big twists every ten minutes, this might feel a bit too methodical. The pacing can drag in places, and not every subplot adds as much as it promises. But if you like atmospheric mysteries with strong period detail and a few shivery surprises, it’s absolutely worth a winter night’s watch—especially if you have a soft spot for Poe or literary detective tales.
If you haven't caught "The Pledge" yet, it's one of those mysteries that quietly slipped past most people in the early 2000s, despite having Jack Nicholson in the lead. Directed by Sean Penn, the film follows a retiring detective who becomes obsessed with solving one last case: the murder of a little girl in rural Nevada. It's a somber, methodical story that digs into psychological obsession, refusing to give easy answers or flashy twists. What really stood out to me was Nicholson’s performance—he’s totally stripped back, all raw nerves and haunted eyes. The mystery itself isn't about clever clues but the painful frustration of never knowing if you've found the truth. The landscape and the supporting characters feel authentic and lived-in, which adds a nice layer of realism. It's not a whodunit that'll make you gasp, but it's quietly unnerving and sits with you long after the credits. Where it doesn't quite land is probably for those who want more resolution or pace. It’s deliberately slow, and by the end, you might feel unsettled or even unsatisfied—which, honestly, feels like the point. If you like your mysteries bleak, thoughtful, and character-driven, though, "The Pledge" is a little under-the-radar gem.
Brick is a gritty high school noir that feels like someone dropped a Raymond Chandler novel into a suburban California campus. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Brendan, a sharp-tongued loner investigating the mysterious disappearance—and possible murder—of his ex-girlfriend. The film puts a surreal spin on teen drama, thanks to its stylized dialogue and hard-boiled mystery structure that’s totally sincere yet winking at genre fans. What really caught my attention is how director Rian Johnson doesn’t shy away from his influences, but he’s inventive about it. The moody lighting, warped slang, and jazz-style scoring give everything a slightly surreal air, yet it’s all grounded by Gordon-Levitt’s intense performance. I loved how the tension builds without cheap scares, and even the low-budget feel works in its favor, adding to the film’s off-kilter charm. The high school setting contrasts brilliantly with the deadly seriousness of the plot. There are moments where the script’s ambitious language feels affected and you don’t always buy teens talking like 1940s detectives, but if you go in knowing it’s a deliberately stylized homage, it’s a lot of fun. Not your average whodunit—if you enjoy clever mysteries, a unique tone, and indie vibes, Brick is a cult classic well worth uncovering.
Knives Out is a modern twist on the classic whodunit, centering on the mysterious death of famed crime novelist Harlan Thrombey. Daniel Craig chews scenery with a hilarious Southern accent as Benoit Blanc, the private detective determined to sift through the chaos of a dysfunctional family, each member a potential suspect. The movie manages to balance genuine suspense with sharp, witty humor, keeping you guessing (and laughing) all the way through. What really hooked me was the ensemble cast—every actor, from Chris Evans’ deliciously bratty Ransom to Ana de Armas’ quietly compelling Marta, gets a turn to shine. There are some laugh-out-loud moments, especially whenever the family bickers, and the house itself becomes a kind of character, full of secrets and odd trinkets. I was also really taken with the way the film critiques privilege and entitlement without ever losing its sense of fun. If I had a gripe, it’s that the final reveal felt a tad convoluted, with a few twists piled on just to keep the audience guessing. Still, it wraps up satisfyingly, and it’s the kind of movie that’s fun to watch with friends, picking apart clues and red herrings together. Fans of mystery novels or anyone who enjoyed Clue will have a blast here.