In 2004, Ashley Judd took on a role that would keep audiences guessing in Philip Kaufman's psychological thriller, "Twisted." The film dives deep into the murky waters of obsession and murder, centering around Jessica Shepard, portrayed by Judd—a tough San Francisco police inspector with a complicated past. From the very first scene where she confronts a sexual predator to her struggles with alcoholism and blackouts, Jessica is anything but your typical heroine.
The narrative unfolds as Jessica finds herself embroiled in a series of murders linked to her romantic entanglements. Each ex-lover becomes another piece in this deadly puzzle, leading viewers through twists that challenge not only her sanity but also their own perceptions of guilt and innocence. Samuel L. Jackson plays Commissioner John Mills—Jessica’s mentor who has his own vested interest in her success—and Andy Garcia steps in as Mike Delmarco, her new partner navigating the complexities of homicide investigations alongside an increasingly erratic colleague.
Critics have had mixed feelings about "Twisted," often highlighting its lackluster execution despite its promising premise. With an IMDb rating hovering around 5.3/10 and critiques pointing out its formulaic plot twists reminiscent of earlier thrillers like Clint Eastwood's "Tightrope," it’s clear that while some elements resonate well—like Kaufman’s atmospheric direction—the overall impact may leave something to be desired.
Judd's performance shines amid these criticisms; she embodies both strength and vulnerability seamlessly. Her character grapples with demons from her past: raised by Mills after witnessing horrific family trauma involving violence and mental illness—a backstory that adds layers to her motivations throughout the film.
As we watch Jessica spiral deeper into chaos amidst wine-fueled nights at seedy bars and chilling encounters with suspects turned victims, one can’t help but ponder: Is she merely caught up in circumstances beyond control or is there something darker lurking within?
Ultimately, “Twisted” serves as more than just another crime drama; it challenges us to reflect on our judgments about morality when faced with flawed characters making desperate choices under pressure.