Chris Hemsworth's Early-Career Murder Mystery Movie Has A Satisfying Twist
The film in question is 'A Perfect Getaway', a thriller that finds three couples stranded in a remote jungle in Hawaii, with a male-female serial killer couple on the loose. Directed by David Twohy, the movie is a clever setup, born of paranoia, and a great Hitchcockian twist. The story unfolds as the characters, played by Steve Zahn, Milla Jovovich, Timothy Olyphant, Kiele Sanchez, Chris Hemsworth, and Marley Shelton, navigate their way through the jungle, unaware of the danger that lurks nearby.
One of the most intriguing aspects of 'A Perfect Getaway' is the performance of Chris Hemsworth. Hemsworth plays the most suspicious character, and his portrayal adds a layer of tension and intrigue to the film. The audience is left to wonder whether Hemsworth's character is indeed a murderer, or if he is simply a victim of circumstances. This ambiguity is a key element of the film's suspense, and it keeps the audience engaged and guessing until the very end.
The film also features a clever marketing campaign, which adds to the overall intrigue. The campaign includes fake news reports on a local news station, which were designed to add a spark of real-world texture to the premise of the film. While the campaign didn't work terribly well in terms of box office performance, it did help to create a sense of anticipation and curiosity among audiences.
Critics generally liked 'A Perfect Getaway', with some praising its clever setup and suspenseful plot. Milla Jovovich was the biggest star of the film at the time, having already starred in three of the hit 'Resident Evil' movies. Timothy Olyphant had also completed a successful run on the hit Western TV series 'Deadwood'. The film currently holds an average 62% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 138 reviews.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is the meta-joke that Ebert points out. The character Cliff says he's a screenwriter, and Nick finds out a particular screenplay is being rewritten and busts his chops about that. Then, Nick mentions 'red snappers', and Cliff says the correct term is 'red herrings'. This is a clever little meta-joke for the audience, and it adds a layer of depth and complexity to the film.
In conclusion, 'A Perfect Getaway' is a thrilling and suspenseful film that features a clever setup, strong performances, and a satisfying twist. It is a great example of a Hitchcockian thriller, and it continues to be a favorite among fans of the genre. While it may not have been a huge commercial success, it has certainly left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.