Columbus Circle

Columbus Circle is a riveting 2012 movie that keeps viewers on edge from start to finish. This thriller is a standout due to its immersive storyline, fascinating characters, and the stellar performances delivered by a cast that includes Selma Blair, Amy Smart, and Kevin Pollak. It’s an exploration of human frailty, paranoia, suspense, and the many shades of deception. The movie is set in the heart of New York City, specifically the posh property overlooking Columbus Circle, hence its name.

Selma Blair stars as Abigail Clayton, a mysteriously secluded heiress living in the upscale property. Abigail has been living a life of solitude for nearly two decades, and for good reasons tied to her past. Despite her vast wealth inherited after the death of her parents, she shuns public life, maintaining contact with only a few chosen people - her building's concierge Klandermann, played by Kevin Pollak, and Dr. Raymond Fontaine, her bestselling author neighbor portrayed by Beau Bridges.

The story takes a dramatic turn when Abigail's elderly neighbor dies suspiciously. A couple, Charles and Lillian, played by Jason Lee and Amy Smart, move into the vacant apartment. The arrival of these new neighbors forces Abigail to interact with the outside world contrary to her desire to subtly glide through life unnoticed.

The couple initially appear charming and harmless, but soon their mysterious undertone starts to unfold, and a complex web of deceit and danger starts to play out. The neighbors-who-are-not-who-they-seem, played superbly by Lee and Smart, bring a great deal of intrigue and suspense to the film's narrative.

Kevin Pollak delivers a commendable performance as Klandermann, the concierge to these upscale residents. Klandermann is dedicated to his job and the residents that he services. He plays a unique role in the story, thanks in part to the trusting relationship he has established with Abigail.

As the plot twists and turns, the film presents a slew of questions about who can be trusted and who is wearing a mask. As the movie progresses, the characters' secrets slowly unravel, taking the story in a direction that viewers would least expect.

The screenplay of Columbus Circle is intelligently written by Kevin Pollak and George Gallo. This compelling drama weaves a thick story of suspense that keeps the audience riveted till the end. Gallo, who also directed the film, manages to create an atmosphere of constant anxiety and mystery, trapping the viewer in its plot.

Columbus Circle is also visually attractive, giving viewers a look at the plush, luxurious life of New York's elite. The film uses the backdrop of a modern sky-rise apartment in full effect, centering all its action inside its grand confines while the bustling city weaves its own stories below. The set designs are magnificent, and the attention to detail is evident, which only helps to draw the audience in further.

Blair convincingly plays an agoraphobic, trapped by her fears and anxieties, while Smart gives an engaging performance as a woman who is not all she appears to be. The juxtaposition of these two central female performances helps to increase the drama and tension within the film.

Columbus Circle excellently demonstrates the abilities of both its cast and crew, seamlessly blending elements of suspense and mystery against its dramatic background. Its multi-faceted storyline never fails to engage the audience, taking one unexpected turn after another.

In essence, Columbus Circle is an engrossing thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. With a captivating plot and a stellar cast led by Selma Blair, it successfully dips its toes in the murky waters of deceit, suspense, paranoia, and the dark side of human nature, leaving the audience guessing right till the end. For viewers who crave a well-delivered and gripping thriller, Columbus Circle manages to hit all the right notes. It's a thrilling watch that provides an in-depth exploration of human vulnerability and deceptive appearances in the most unexpected of places.