Nr. 23
Nr. 23

Movie spotlight

Nr. 23

2006
Movie
28 min
German

A rainy night, a car breaks down, an old house in the middle of nowhere with a light burning in the window. Soaking wet, Markus knocks on the door - and interrupts Renee in the middle of her pottery. She’s suspicious of the young stranger, but interested. An Adonis is missing from her artistic collection of dildos. It’s only a matter of warming to the occasion, and she’s in the flush of life. So she reaches for Apollinaire on the book shelf. . .and a jar of honey.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes27%
Metacritic40/100
Google Users58%
Director: Joel SchumacherGenres: Mystery, Thriller, Drama

Plot Summary

Walter Sparrow, a man tormented by a mysterious past, becomes obsessed with the number 23 after reading a book that seems to mirror his own life. As his obsession deepens, he spirals into a paranoid state, convinced the number holds a dark secret that connects him to a series of murders. He must unravel the truth before he succumbs to the perceived destiny dictated by the number.

Critical Reception

The Number 23 received largely negative reviews from critics, who found its premise intriguing but ultimately muddled and overly convoluted. While Jim Carrey's performance was noted, the film was criticized for its heavy-handed symbolism and predictable, unsatisfying conclusion. Audiences had a similarly divided response, with some appreciating the suspenseful nature and others finding it nonsensical.

What Reviewers Say

  • Despite a compelling central performance and an intriguing premise, the film struggles with a convoluted and ultimately disappointing narrative.

  • The movie's exploration of obsession and paranoia is undermined by its heavy-handed symbolism and a lack of cohesive storytelling.

  • Critics found the twist ending to be unearned and the overall execution lacking.

Google audience: Audience reviews suggest a mixed reception, with many finding the concept of the number 23 fascinating and suspenseful. However, a significant portion of viewers felt the plot became too confusing and the resolution was unsatisfying, leading to disappointment.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

Jim Carrey developed a noticeable tremor in his hand during the filming of the movie, which he attributed to the psychological toll of playing such an intense character and his own growing fascination with the number 23.

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