‘Serenity’: New Steven Knight movie will have you reeling

“Serenity” will leave audiences baffled.

To quote the guy in front of me in the movie theater who exclaimed this statement as the credits rolled, “I don’t understand.”

Released Jan. 25, “Serenity” is a new thriller starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway. Written and directed by Steven Knight, one can expect at least a semi-dark story line and general ambiance of the film. “Serenity” delivers in these aspects and more.

“Serenity” will provide you with anything but serenity. It follows the turmoil that Matthew McConaughey’s character, Baker Dill, experiences through self-inflicted loneliness on a small island called Plymouth, as the captain of a boat that takes tourists on fishing trips. Driven to near insanity by the relentless search of a massive tuna he has yet to successfully catch, Baker begins receiving concerns about his sanity from his fellow Plymouthians after pulling a knife on a tourist aboard his boat.

To my relief, the story line gained purpose when his ex-wife Karen, played by Anne Hathaway, shows up to ask a fateful favor of Baker. From there, the story begins raising questions in your head about what is really going on in the small island of Plymouth.

As someone who has admired Matthew McConaughey’s work in his endless romantic comedies, I wasn’t looking forward to seeing him in such a gruff and washed up role. That being said, while others might disagree, I welcomed the absurd plot twist that slowly develops into a heartbreaking reality. I can almost guarantee that whatever theories you begin considering as you watch the movie are true. While it becomes slightly predictable as the movie gains steam and drops foreshadowing, the ultimate kicker of the movie is anything but expected based on previews and trailers of the movie.

As far as content, “Serenity” definitely earned its R rating. The first five minutes of dialogue seemed to demand the use of the F word three times a sentence, and the surprisingly frequent sex scenes were irrelevant to the plot. My personal tastes don’t exactly line up with these types of cinematic elements, and I considered walking out just a few minutes in. However, if you’re considering watching “Serenity” to experience the whirlwind of a plot, I hesitate to say that it’s worth it. Watch at your own risk.

The movie scene has been begging for something like “Serenity” to be released. It gives us a break from the mark-missing sequels, cheesy romantic comedies and play-by-the-rules thrillers. In “Serenity,” there are no rules. Knight must have heard this cry for a disruption somewhere from the depths of Hollywood, because he answered it with the mind-boggling, laughably unexpected concoction of conspiracy and tragedy that is “Serenity.”

Overall, I can say absolutely nothing with confidence. This is one of those movies that I would say is a must-see if it weren’t for the number of ludicrous turns and morally questionable elements that show up in “Serenity.” All I can say is, “Serenity” will have you reeling.