Watch Rubberneck

Rubberneck is a psychological thriller released in 2012, written and directed by Alex Karpovsky, who also stars in the movie. The story follows Paul Harris (Alex Karpovsky), a research scientist who works in a laboratory in Boston. He develops a romantic obsession with his lab partner, Danielle (Jaime Ray Newman), which slowly turns into a dark and dangerous infatuation.

The movie opens with a series of surveillance-style shots of a woman undressing in a hotel room. We later learn that this woman is Danielle, and that the person behind the camera is Paul Harris. The story then rewinds six months to show how Paul becomes infatuated with Danielle, who is charming, beautiful, and friendly. Paul is shy, introverted, and awkward around women, but he is captivated by Danielle's attention.

As the two scientists work together on a project, Paul becomes increasingly drawn to Danielle. He tries to impress her by being helpful, funny, and witty, but his attempts only make him appear more desperate and awkward. Danielle is oblivious to Paul's feelings and sees him only as a colleague and friend.

The first half of the movie is a slow-burning, character-driven drama that builds tension through subtle clues and hints of Paul's inner turmoil. We see him obsess over Danielle, stalk her Instagram account, and act erratically around her. These scenes are enhanced by tight camerawork and a haunting, minimalist score that creates a sense of unease.

Things take a dark turn when Danielle starts dating Bob (Dennis Staroselsky), another scientist at the lab. Paul's jealousy and anger grow as he watches Danielle and Bob's relationship blossom. He becomes more erratic and unstable, venting his frustration in disturbing ways. As the pressure builds, Paul's mental state deteriorates, and he becomes increasingly violent and unpredictable.

The second half of the movie is a tense, nail-biting thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The story takes unexpected twists and turns, leading to a shocking climax that will leave viewers stunned.

Rubberneck is a superbly crafted movie that defies genre conventions. It's a character study, a romance, a thriller, and a psychological horror all rolled into one. The acting is top-notch, with Alex Karpovsky delivering a multi-faceted performance as the troubled protagonist. The supporting cast, including Jaime Ray Newman and Dennis Staroselsky, are equally impressive, bringing depth and complexity to their roles.

The movie explores themes of obsession, jealousy, and mental illness with a deft touch, never sensationalizing or trivializing the issues. It's a mature and nuanced portrayal of a troubled man's descent into madness, handled with care and sensitivity.

The movie's visual style and direction are also noteworthy. The use of surveillance-style footage and close-ups creates a sense of intimacy and unease, while the minimalist score adds to the tension. The pacing is deliberate and restrained, allowing the story to unfold at its own pace.

In conclusion, Rubberneck is a haunting, unforgettable movie that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll. It's a dark and disturbing portrait of a man's unraveling, handled with care and finesse. Fans of psychological thrillers and character-driven dramas will find much to appreciate in this underrated gem.

Rubberneck is a 2013 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3 and a MetaScore of 57.