Shutter Island

by Matt Slick

Shutter Island is an enjoyable ride down a troubled road of deception, delusion, and mystery.  It's 1954, and Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a U.S. Marshall.  He and his new partner Chuck (Mark Ruffalo) arrive at an island prison for the criminally insane.  They are there to investigate the disappearance of a murderess who is assumed to be loose on the island, a formidable place that is surrounded by jagged rocks and what seems like a perpetual mist. 

So, the story is set and the plot unfolds.  However, we quickly find out that there are problems both at the prison and with Daniels.  The former has guards and a staff that are minimally cooperative and seem to be hiding something.  The latter is dealing with his own demons, memories of WWII atrocities and the death of his wife in a fire.

But, the further Daniels digs the more things just don't add up.  He knows there has to be a conspiracy.  The escapee had to have help.  To make things worse, through the intrigue, the questions, and the lack of direct answers, Daniels begins to suffer both physically and emotionally as his old demons come back to haunt him - literally.  Add a hurricane and you have one heck of a bad time for Daniels.  You find yourself asking, what is real and what isn't?  But, it all comes together at the end -- when the twist is revealed.

The cinematography and acting are excellent.  There was minimal cussing and no nudity.

I enjoyed the movie.