Side Effects

Main Plot

"Side Effects" is a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of the pharmaceutical industry and its impact on individuals' lives. The film follows Emily Taylor, a young woman struggling with depression. Her life seems to improve with the introduction of a new prescription drug, prescribed by her psychiatrist, Dr. Jonathan Banks. However, the medication has unexpected side effects that lead to a series of troubling events, dramatically altering the lives of everyone involved. As the story unfolds, Dr. Banks finds himself entangled in a web of deceit, ethical dilemmas, and legal issues. The narrative explores themes of mental health, the influence of pharmaceutical companies, and the responsibilities of medical professionals. The plot thickens as hidden motivations and manipulations come to light, culminating in a series of twists that challenge the viewer's perceptions of truth and morality. "Side Effects" is a gripping tale that keeps the audience guessing until its final moments, raising poignant questions about the intersection of medicine, law, and personal agency.

Characters

• Rooney Mara plays Emily Taylor, a troubled woman who experiences severe side effects from a new prescription drug, leading to dramatic personal and legal consequences.
• Channing Tatum plays Martin Taylor, a man recently released from prison for insider trading, whose wife's mental health struggles significantly impact their lives.
• Jude Law plays Dr. Jonathan Banks, a psychiatrist who prescribes a new medication to a patient, leading to unexpected and dramatic consequences that entangle him in a criminal investigation.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of Steven Soderbergh's film "Side Effects," the intricate plot unravels to reveal a complex scheme involving deceit, manipulation, and revenge. The story centers around Emily Taylor, who, after being prescribed a new antidepressant called Ablixa by her psychiatrist Dr. Jonathan Banks, begins experiencing severe side effects, including sleepwalking. In a pivotal scene, Emily, while sleepwalking, fatally stabs her husband, Martin. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that Emily was actually conspiring with her previous psychiatrist, Dr. Victoria Siebert. The plan was to murder Martin and manipulate the stock market by causing a panic over the drug's side effects, thereby profiting from the resulting stock fluctuations. Dr. Banks, initially unaware of the conspiracy, becomes suspicious and starts to unravel the plot. In the climax, Dr. Banks cleverly exposes the conspiracy by coercing a confession from Emily during a recorded session, where she admits her guilt. Emily is eventually institutionalized, and Dr. Siebert is arrested, restoring Dr. Banks' professional reputation. The film ends with Dr. Banks visiting Emily in the institution, reflecting on the complex interplay of ethics, responsibility, and the pharmaceutical industry.