Side Effects Movie Ending Explained Wiki, Review, and Plot Explained
Updated Mar 20, 2023
Side Effects Movie Wiki
Side Effects is an American psychological thriller film directed by Steven Soderbergh. It was written by Scott Z. Burns and released on February 8, 2013. Rooney Mara played the lead role as a woman who is prescribed experimental drugs by psychiatrists after her husband is released from prison. Side Effects was released in the United States by Open Road Films. The movie was said to be released as The Bitter Pill, but later the title was changed to Side Effects.
Side Effects Movie Ending Explained
The US procedural defence states that a defendant cannot be tried again on the same charges following legal forgiveness or judgement. Since Emily was already charged with Martin’s murder, she can’t be tied again. Jonathan thinks of an alternate plan. He prescribes some drugs with insane side effects to Emily and declares that she is no longer fit to be under his care, so she must be taken back to the mental ward for refusing treatment. Over a period of time in the mental ward, based on her treatment, Emily, in the end, becomes zoned out and loses her mind because of all the medications. Victoria and Emily both got what they deserved from Johnathan, as he gets his revenge and gets back his life.
Side Effects Plot Explained
Emily Taylor drives into a wall in a noticeable suicide attempt after her husband Martin returns after completing a four-year prison sentence for insider trading. Jonathan Banks, a psychiatrist, prescribes her a series of antidepressants, but nothing works.Jonathan communicates with Emily's previous psychiatrist, Victoria Siebert, for a suggestion when she suggests a new experimental drug called Ablixa. The drug worked for her depression but gave her a sleepwalking side effect. One night, Emily kills Martin while sleepwalking. Jonathan fights for Emily's remission in court. She is declared innocent because of her condition and because she is staying in a psychiatric hospital, according to Jonathan. The publicity of the news destroys Jonathan's reputation as a psychiatrist. His colleagues expelled him from their practise, which leaves him broke.
Jonathan finds evidence proving that Emily is lying and that she was not depressed and faked her suicide attempts. He also discovers that someone else is profiting from Ablixa's drop in stock value. He tells Emily that he has given her a truth serum and starts interviewing her. Typically, the serum was nothing but saline water. Emily fakes drowsiness, confirming Jonathan’s suspicion that she is misleading him. He confronted Victoria with his evidence; she mailed photographs to Jonathan’s wife, Deirdre, indicating that he had an affair with his patient Emily. Deirdre leaves Jonathan, taking her son along with her.
Jonathan calls Victoria and bluffs by informing her that Emily had told him about their plan. He scares Emily with electric shock treatment and tells Emily that Victoria is paying him to keep her arrested so that she can keep a bigger part. Emily says that she hated Martin for losing their rich lifestyle and started plotting to kill him. She had counselling under Victoria and became a lover. Emily taught Victoria about the economic world while learning how to fake psychiatric disorders from her. They both planned to kill Martin and use the negative publicity over Ablixa to manipulate the stocks. Jonathan agrees to Emily's offer to give him a part of her money if he releases her.
Emily meets Victoria while wearing a wire. After Victoria’s acknowledgment of the plot, she is taken to prison for plotting to commit murder and securities cheating. Emily, due to the same commitment again, cannot be charged as criminally responsible for her part in her husband’s murder. As revenge for Emily's part in the plan, Jonathan, who still supervises her case, prescribes her Thorazine and Depakote. He describes their unpleasant side effects and sends her back to the mental ward for refusing treatment. Jonathan regains his family and reputation in the end.
Side Effects Review
In what may be his last feature film for the foreseeable future, Steven Soderbergh employs his dramatic expertise and superior craftsmanship to initially draw viewers into a story that ultimately fails to convince them in Side Effects. Screenwriter Scott Z. Burns tells the story of a young wife whose well-being and behavior appear to be compromised by a series of prescription drugs. While the story initially appears to be a serious critique of the perceived epidemic of doctor-approved drug use, the filmmakers struggle to merge this alarmist theme with an old-fashioned murder mystery, resulting in at least one plot twist too many. The film's fine cast and pedigree may not be enough to generate significant business for Open Road in its specialized release.
The plot revolves around Emily Taylor, who has been waiting for her husband Martin's release from prison for four years. Emily has been on antidepressants and, after a suicide attempt, is put on a new drug by well-meaning psychiatrist Jonathan Banks. However, something does not feel right between Emily and Martin upon his release, and a major character is killed suddenly, leading to a trial where issues of memory loss, irresponsible medical treatment, and possible insanity are brought up. While the discussion of the benefits and side effects of various drugs may be interesting to some viewers, much of the second half is focused on Jonathan's downward spiral due to his involvement in the unsavory case. The film's final twist may be considered over-the-top and bordering on the ridiculous, but it highlights the twisty storytelling attempted by the filmmakers, which is reminiscent of old Hollywood. Despite the attractive cast, sustained interest in the film may be challenging.
Side Effects Movie Ending Explained - FAQs
Side Effects was released on 8 February 2013.
The film was directed by Steven Soderbergh.
The film was written by Scott Z. Burns.
Rooney Mara played the role of Emily Taylor.
Yes, Dr. Jonathan Banks has succeeded in his revenge against both Victoria and Emily.