When you think your family is perfect, suddenly a beautiful woman moves in next door with a daughter the same age as yours. Everything seems too good to be true. Yes, that's a warning sign, and that's what Inconceivable wants to tell you. A psychological thriller where Nicolas Cage plays a well-meaning doctor who faces the cruelest test of his life.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Brian (Nicolas Cage) and Angela (Gina Gershon) Morgan are both doctors, happily living with their 4-year-old daughter Cora. One day, Katie Wells (Nicky Whelan), a beautiful young woman who just moved nearby with her daughter Maddie, quickly becomes close friends with the family. Everything goes well until Angela notices Katie's strange behavior, like getting too close to her husband and having a vague past. As Angela tries to uncover the truth, she discovers dark secrets that put her family in danger.
Acting and Characters
Nicolas Cage as Brian Morgan delivers his familiar style: excited, fearful, and sometimes a bit over-the-top, but still engaging. Gina Gershon as Angela, the suspicious wife, plays well as a protective mother, conveying unease naturally. Nicky Whelan as the mysterious Katie transforms from sweet and gentle to terrifyingly creepy. Her performance is a highlight that adds depth to the film. However, some characters, like the therapist (James Van Patten), feel like mere plot devices without much dimension.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Director Jonathan Baker uses a classic thriller style, employing light and shadow to create an uneasy atmosphere. The visuals are fairly standard, with no standout techniques, but they serve the story well. The music complements the mood, especially in tense scenes, though it's not particularly memorable. A notable point is the use of camera angles that make the audience feel constantly watched, fitting the film's theme.
Editorial Analysis
Inconceivable tries to explore trust and invasion of privacy within a family, but the script has several plot holes and illogical moments. For instance, why would a seemingly sensible doctor family let a stranger get so close without checking her background? This may frustrate viewers. Nevertheless, the film remains entertaining as a casual thriller, especially for Nicolas Cage fans who enjoy his intense performances. The movie touches on themes of pregnancy and motherhood, which are interesting but presented superficially, missing the chance to be more sophisticated.
Verdict
Inconceivable is a light, no-brainer thriller suitable for fans of the 'creepy neighbor' genre and Nicolas Cage fans who want to see him in a role he excels at. Despite flaws in the script, it still offers some entertainment.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Nicky Whelan's performance, shifting from good to evil in a chilling way
- +Tense atmosphere and gradually built suspense
- +Fast-paced story without dragging
👎 Cons
- −Script has several plot holes and illogical moments
- −Some characters lack depth, especially supporting ones
- −Nicolas Cage's performance may be over-the-top for some
Top Cast
FAQ
The film was released in theaters in 2017. It is currently available on streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime in some countries.
No, it is entirely fictional, but inspired by real-life crime cases involving people impersonating others.
No, Cage plays a well-meaning father who becomes a victim of the situation, not the villain.
There is a twist that is somewhat predictable but still surprising to a degree, especially towards the end.
