All the elements of the recent Fincher formula - precise direction, top-notch actors, an absorbing story, a superb soundscape by Reznor and Ross - are present and correct which go towards making Gone Girl another absolute winner. That is not to belittle the director's incredible skill, as his intelligence and care are evident from the first frames to the very last, and Gone Girl is an immensely impressive achievement. Affleck gives a terrific and credible portrayal of the husband, if just occasionally underplaying, and Pike gives remarkably detailed and controlled character work as the wife, both of them providing and responding to the regular small but powerful narrative grenades that drive the story with aplomb. Also of note are very strong supporting performances from Carrie Coon as Affleck's twin sister and Kim Dickens as the lead detective on the disappearance case. The story is nothing new, nor are the comments on the media, manipulation and gender politics, but the film is a consistently engrossing puzzle - complete with moments of real shock and gloriously dark humour - that both entertains and engages the brain over its long runtime.
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