The opening slow motion shots of naked obese women dancing around with pompoms establishes something very important: This movie is not for everyone. Popular fashion designer-turned film director Tom Ford returned to film with a new dark drama flick, Nocturnal Animals. While not flawless, the movie encapsulates a sharp sense of intensity accompanied by beautiful cinematography.

Ford’s first movie, A Single Man, was a critical success, even earning an Oscar nomination in 2009. Since then, Tom Ford has been quiet in the film industry, uninvolved in any other projects in the past seven years. Being a style designer, his movies allure the audience with its unique palette of colors and allegorical cinematography. Nocturnal Animals doesn’t rely on its camerawork, however, as the gripping story is the most powerful aspect of the movie.

The movie is based off Austin Wright’s novel, Tony and Susan. The writer for the movie decided to change the title to Nocturnal Animals, which is the name of the book within the book. Amy Adams stars as Susan Morrow,  acclaimed modern artist who has yet to find true happiness. We then are introduced to Morrow’s ex-husband Edward Sheffield, played by Jake Gyllenhall, who just finished his enigmatic novel.

The narrative structure is split in two parts, jumping from Susan Morrow and her difficulties with her marriage and career, to the story of the book that Adams’ character reads, following a man who is out for revenge.

Whilst unique, jumping from story to story came off annoying at times. The climax of a scene would often cut short in reaction to something that happens to Morrow, the reader. Taking away a sense of immersion from the potent storytelling.

Disjointing the structure of the film does effectively engage the story in many cases, though. Using visual anadiplosis, subtle connections between the two stories feels rewarding. There are many more instances of repetitive imagery for foreshadowing purposes, also encouraging multiple viewings.

What was most riveting is just how intense the movie can get. Specifically, an earlier scene involving Gyllenhaal’s character and his family getting in a conflict with southern strangers on the road stands out. Tom Ford does an excellent job of generating confusion, tension and, ultimately, chaos in a surprisingly realistic way. Thrillers often disappoint with too many “Why would that person do that” moments that end up more frustrating than entertaining. Nocturnal Animals ditches the trend and instead offers a perfect blend of heroism and understandable mistakes. Developing a great sense of unpredictability, too, keeping the audience on the edge of their seat.

One of the major themes in this movie is the concept of consequences. While the overall tale is one of revenge, there are many subplots dealing with making decisions and having to live with the consequences. One of the few things that did let me down was the lack of conclusion for some of these sub-plots. Ending the film ambiguously was not the problem, but moreso not exploring into some key points introduced all around the film. With all the different things going on in the film, it’s a little disappointing to not have any sort of resolve.

Although I absolutely loved the ending. Driving back from the theater sparked an entire 40-minute discussion what the point of the film is. Having an unclear answer to the lingering question the movies ends you with could frustrate many people, which seems to be intentional. Exhibiting the true power films still have in our lives.

Nocturnal Animals is not a heart pounding thriller. But instead a powerful personal drama that investigates pain in numerous ways.

At 116 minutes in length, the movie keeps audience occupied from beginning to end. With compelling visuals, an engaging story and a moving story, memorable would be the all encompassing word to describe Nocturnal Animals. Not just memorable for 2016, but for years to come.