Fincher does it again with this Gripping Tale of Modern Marriage and Deceit.

Rating: 8/10 (13 November 2014)

David Fincher is still at the top of his game. He knows his strengths well, and chooses his stories appropriately. Here, Gillian Flynn's writing and David Fincher's storytelling style are made for each other; it's a sickly brilliant combination. Fincher brings out the best from all his actors, especially Rosamund Pike, who steals the show with her riveting performance.
The movie is about an upscale (late suburban) couple, Nick and Amy Dunne; both of them are writers. It exposes the secrets at the heart of this modern marriage, and how recession plays a role in leading them there. The story begins with the disappearance of Amy on the day of their fifth wedding anniversary. We get to hear both the partners' versions of their marriage - we get an idea of the setting, and everything around, but we don't know whose version to believe; this is done with the help of unreliable narration, like in the novel. Due to this, and other twists, proper amount of suspense is maintained throughout the film.
The movie also highlights the media and public's frenzy and fascination for such 'Missing' or 'Murder' stories, and how they are quick to pass their judgments even before the case goes to trial. It wittily pokes fun at public's collective obsession of social media and reality television. Other than this, the story portrays marriage as the biggest villain, which is quite true; people portray their best selves when they're dating someone, but often fail to cope with their partner's true nature once they're in a committed relationship or marriage. Our very human nature to lie and hide things is the biggest reason for most complications in a marriage.
I do agree with some of the viewers who said that the film sympathizes a little more with the male lead by omitting few complexities of the female lead (or rushing through them) and making her appear more antagonistic. It's just by a little margin though, otherwise the balance is quite proper in the storytelling.
The crisp cinematography and captivating soundtrack sets proper mood for the story to unravel. The ending might not satisfy half of the viewers, but with the central theme it's exploring, it's the most appropriate and thought-provoking one.