Risks + Side Effects
A routine check-up reveals that the Pilates trainer Kathrin is suffering from kidney disease and needs a transplant. Her husband Arnold is a successful architect in the middle of a large project and is afraid of donating one of his kidneys. Götz, a friend of the couple's, would undergo the operation immediately if it means saving Kathrin's life - even though this causes problems with his partner Diana. Confronted by issues of life and death, the fragility of the relationships within and between the couples is laid bare. Eventually, the question can no longer be avoided: what is true love?
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman, struggling with anxiety and a difficult past, takes a new medication that promises relief but soon begins to experience unsettling side effects. As her grip on reality loosens, she must confront whether the changes she's undergoing are a result of the drug or something more sinister.
Critical Reception
Risks + Side Effects received a mixed reception, with critics acknowledging its attempt to explore psychological themes but often finding the execution lacking. While some praised the performances, particularly the lead, others pointed to a predictable plot and uneven pacing.
What Reviewers Say
- The film effectively portrays the protagonist's internal struggle with mental health.
- However, the thriller elements are not fully realized, leading to a less impactful narrative.
- Performances are a highlight, but the storyline treads familiar ground.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, with limited feedback available to summarize general opinions.
Fun Fact
The film was shot in and around British Columbia, Canada, utilizing various urban and rural settings to create the atmosphere of the protagonist's fractured reality.
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