Butterfly on a Wheel
Butterfly on a Wheel

Movie spotlight

Butterfly on a Wheel

2007
Movie
95 min
English

A sociopathic kidnapper methodically pushes a desperate pair of parents to their absolute breaking point.

Insights

IMDb5.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes26%
Metacritic34/100
Google Users46%
Director: John PutchGenres: Thriller, Mystery, Crime

Plot Summary

A wealthy couple's life is turned upside down when their daughter is kidnapped. The kidnapper, who calls himself 'The Professor,' demands a ransom and forces the father to play a series of elaborate and psychologically taxing games. As the games escalate, the couple must confront dark secrets and make impossible choices to save their child.

Critical Reception

Butterfly on a Wheel received mixed to negative reviews from critics. While some praised the performances of the lead actors, particularly Pierce Brosnan and Maria Bello, many found the plot predictable, overly convoluted, and lacking originality. The film's attempts at psychological thriller elements were often seen as heavy-handed, and the resolution was widely criticized as unsatisfying.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film suffers from a convoluted and predictable plot.

  • Performances by the lead actors are a highlight but cannot salvage the weak script.

  • Lacks originality and fails to deliver a compelling psychological thriller experience.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally indicate disappointment with the film's plot, finding it unoriginal and predictable. While some viewers appreciated the acting, many felt the movie did not live up to its potential as a thriller.

Fun Fact

The film was originally titled 'The Professor' and later 'Divided We Fall' before settling on 'Butterfly on a Wheel.'

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
John Chard

John Chard

Never pick a fight with someone who's got nothing to lose. Butterfly on a Wheel (AKA: Shattered) is directed by Mike Barker and written by William Morrissey. It stars Pierce Brosnan, Maria Bello and Gerard Butler. Music is by Robert Dun...