Watch Butterfly on a Wheel
- R
- 2007
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6.6 (33,897)
Butterfly on a Wheel (also known as Shattered in the United States) is a 2007 psychological thriller film starring Pierce Brosnan, Maria Bello, and Gerard Butler. The film follows the story of a seemingly perfect couple named Neil and Abby Randall, who face a tragic turn of events when their daughter is kidnapped by a mysterious stranger named Tom Ryan.
Ryan, an intelligent and manipulative man, holds the couple hostage and presents them with a series of deadly challenges that they must complete if they ever hope to see their daughter again. As the kidnapped parents struggle to keep their family together and win back their freedom, they begin to realize that they have underestimated their captor.
Meanwhile, the police try to track down the kidnapper before it's too late. Detective Brodsky, played by Callum Keith Rennie, leads the investigation and is determined to find the missing girl. However, as the story unravels, it becomes clear that the kidnapper has a personal connection to the Randalls, and the case takes a dark turn.
Throughout the film, the story moves back and forth between the captivity of the Randalls and the efforts of the police to find them. As they inch closer to discovering the truth behind the kidnapping, the characters are put through a harrowing series of emotional and physical trials.
Pierce Brosnan delivers an intense and commanding performance as the desperate father, Neil, who will stop at nothing to save his family. Maria Bello, who portrays his wife Abby, provides a poignant and sympathetic portrayal of a mother pushed to the edge. Gerard Butler is mesmerizing as the villainous Tom Ryan, who manipulates the couple to test their limits and break them down emotionally.
The film's director, Mike Barker, employs a number of cinematic devices to heighten the tension and the emotional impact of the story. The use of flashbacks, for example, illuminates the backstory of the characters and provides insight into their motivations. The use of quick cuts and close-ups creates a sense of urgency and intimacy that enhances the emotional intensity of the performances. The film also features a haunting and evocative soundtrack by composer/performer Clint Mansell, which heightens the emotional impact of the story.
Butterfly on a Wheel received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising the performances and the intense emotional impact of the story, while others criticized the plot as cliched and melodramatic. However, despite the mixed reception, the film remains a powerful exploration of the lengths to which people will go to protect those they love, and the devastating consequences of our choices.
Overall, Butterfly on a Wheel is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until its shocking conclusion. With a talented cast and a thoughtful direction, it is a film that is worth checking out for fans of the genre.
Butterfly on a Wheel is a 2007 crime movie. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.