Pharmaceutical companies continue to bombard the airwaves with commercials for drugs that claim to cure just about anything from sleep disorders and depression, to restless leg syndrome and acne. But if you’ve ever listened to the final seconds of these commercials, then you know the medications have side effects that can range from nausea to death.

Now comes a movie entitled Side Effects that is not only an excellent cautionary tale about the dangers of prescription medication, but also a devilishly twisted mystery reminiscent of Hitchcock at his best.

The movie has a great cast featuring Jude Law, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Channing Tatum, and Rooney Mara from the American version of “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.”

Mara plays Emily Taylor, a young woman who has struggled with severe depression since her husband (Channing Tatum) was jailed for insider trading. Rather than lifting her spirits, his release from prison leads her to an apparent suicide attempt. She’s referred to psychiatrist Jonathan Banks (Jude Law) who prescribes various drugs to no avail, until a colleague (Zeta-Jones) suggests a new medication that initially makes Emily feel better, but has serious side effects. At this point the movie quickly switches from a study of one woman’s depression, to a very entertaining mystery/thriller.

After an excellent run of mysteries and thrillers in 2012 Hollywood has returned to mindless computer generated explosions and ridiculous comic book characters that appeal to the teenage mind. Good mysteries have virtually disappeared from the movie screen this year. Side Effects is a rare exception. A movie actually made for grown ups. I encourage you to see it.