The Double

Simon James is an invisible employee at a large agency, who’s too shy to talk to the woman he idolises. He’s polite, he’s bright, he works hard... but he’s getting nowhere. Enter James Simon, a new employee who bears a miraculous likeness to our protagonist, and has everything Simon lacks: confidence, popularity, and a way with women. As Simon’s new friendship takes a darker turn, his life and very identity begin to unravel.

Based on a Dostoevsky novella, Richard Ayoade’s The Double is a beautifully crafted dramatic thriller, with a black comedy edge. As well as being an artistic tour de force, it presents a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience which will make you smile, cringe, and crease your brow in sympathetic frustration. Jesse Eisenberg gives two excellent performances as the lead and his doppelganger, showcasing his talent through their opposed personas. An all-round impressive production.

Claire Heywood