In this sci-fi thriller a child psychiatrist is experimenting with a new technology that allows for one person to enter another's mind. Meanwhile, the FBI catches a serial killer who has fallen into a coma. The psychiatrist is tasked with entering his mind in order to find the whereabouts of a girl he has captured and left in a deadly torture cell.
This is essentially a serial killer film with a very original angle. The science fiction element is really there purely as a means to allow us to enter the subconscious dream world of the killer. It's here where the movie departs from other films of the same genre. It's also here where The Cell truly marks itself out as a memorable movie. The story isn't all that strong but the look and feel of the dream-world is where this one scores. Visually, it's extremely good, with an especially well-used widescreen frame, and beautiful use of colour. The subconscious worlds are by turns surreal, beautiful and creepy. It is without a doubt the fantastic cinematography, set-design, costumes and lighting that are the strengths of this film.
As a means of trying to discover the whereabouts of the trapped girl, the psychiatrist tries to make a connection with the killer. In doing so she realises that he has a good and bad side. The good being his younger self before he became twisted as a result of abuse. It's an unusual angle to attempt to empathise with a serial murderer. Usually audiences are never asked to and I suppose it's an interesting difference. However, it's not an idea that 100% works though as no matter the childhood traumas it's quite difficult sympathising with a man who abducts, tortures and kills young women. This aside though, The Cell remains a highly stylish thriller, whose visual brilliance alone is enough reason for it to be considered a triumph.