Usually I have a problem with a film that tells two distinctive stories in that there is one which is much more interesting than the other. So, when watching the less engaging one, I am always wanting to get back to the other. Nocturnal Animals is a rare exception.

Amy Adams stars as Susan, an art gallery owner. Her marriage is going stale and her husband is having an affair. In the post, she receives a manuscript for a soon to be published debut novel. It is written by her ex-husband (Edward, Jake Gyllenhaal) and the book is dedicated to Susan. As she begins to read it, the story switches to a depiction of the events in the book. Tony (also Gyllenhaal) is on a road trip with his wife (Laura, Isla Fisher) and daughter (India, Ellie Bamber). They are forced off the road by three men who then abduct Laura and India. Despite only having met the characters a few minutes earlier, I found that sequence of events almost unbearably tense.

Despite becoming so invested in that story so quickly, I didn’t mind switching back to Susan. That is largely thanks to a brilliantly subtle performance by Adams, an actress we don’t see enough of generally though she is also starring in next week’s big release, Arrival. I didn’t even mind the usual dreaded flashbacks – to Susan and Edward’s early time together.

This is a beautifully designed and shot film. I expect Oscar nominations for director Tom Ford, cinematographer Seamus McGarvey, and Meg Everist’s set decoration. The white, clinical surroundings that Susan lives in are in stark contrast to the grimy West Texas setting of Tony’s story, but both look beautiful. There is also a sumptuous score by Abel Korzeniowski.

As well as the leads, there is great support by Michael Shannon as Bobby Andes – the law enforcement officer investigating Laura and India’s disappearance and a nice cameo from Jena Malone.

I can really only make small criticisms. Andes’ methods lack believability and I found the opening credits unwatchable. Overall, this is thought provoking, gripping, and is great to look at.

Rating: 9 out of 10