Homecoming (2018)

At a transitional support center for veterans returning from war, a counselor (Julia Roberts) takes a particular interest in one veteran (Stephan James). But slowly, she begins to realize she is being used in a diabolical plot and that the therapy is just for show and covers up the true nature of the facility. Based on a scripted 2016 podcast and directed by Sam Esmail (MR. ROBOT). An intense five hour psychological conspiracy thriller that keeps you glued to the screen until its satisfying conclusion. Juxtaposing flashbacks with scenes in the present day, it's a jigsaw puzzle that we piece together as it flows vigorously as we attempt to keep up with its twists and turns. It's stylishly directed with some striking cinematography shot in alternating ratios. The acting is good with Shea Whigham particularly outstanding as a Department Of Defense investigator doggedly pursuing the case in the face of disinterest from his superiors, who would just as soon bury it. The one (minor) problem I had was that there was no original score. Instead, film scores from other movies were used and I found it distracting as I attempted to guess what movie the music came from. Among the scores recycled: BODY HEAT (John Barry), THE THING (Ennio Morrricone), KLUTE (Michael Small), THE CONVERSATION (David Shire) and VERTIGO (Bernard Herrmann) among many others. With Bobby Cannavale, Sissy Spacek, Hong Chau, Marianne Jean Baptiste and Jeremy Allen White.