Drastic and harrowing events in a person’s life often push them into complete defeat, but their underlying heroic tendencies often help them maintain their most dignified characteristics. The impassioned exploration into the emotional contradictions and shortcomings of a person as they strive to maintain their humanity is grippingly showcased in the new thriller, ‘The Two Faces of January.’ The thriller marks the feature film directorial debut of famed screenwriter, Hossein Amini, who also adapted the script for the movie from Patricia Highsmith’s 1964 novel of the same name. The filmmaker worked with the movie’s main stars, including Viggo Mortensen and Kirsten Dunst, to emphasize the flaws of their characters, including their irrational jealousy and paranoia, in a way that would still allow audiences to empathize with their fear and heartbreak.

‘The Two Faces of January’ follows a glamorous American couple, the charismatic Chester MacFarland (Mortensen) and his alluring younger wife, Colette (Dunst), who are enjoying their vacation in Athens in 1962. While sightseeing at the Acropolis, they encounter Rydal (Oscar Isaac), a young American who’s working as a tour guide in Greece. Since he also scams gullible female tourists on the side to make extra money, he’s drawn to Colette’s beauty. He’s also impressed with the wealth and sophistication of her husband, who reminds him of his father.

While eating dinner with the MacFarlands, Rydal realizes that all’s not what it initially seems with them. When the young con later visits the couple at their exclusive hotel, Chester persuades him to help move the body of a seemingly unconscious man, who he claims attacked him first. Rydal agrees to help in the heat of the moment, but quickly begins to doubt his decision when events become more sinister. Finding himself to be in a compromising situation, he realizes he has an increasing infatuation with the vulnerable Colette, against his better judgment. The young adults’ bond stirs up Chester’s jealousy and paranoia, which leads to a dangerous battle between the two men. Along with their growing desperation to avoid a confrontation with the police, the two men are forced go on a frantic international journey to Istanbul, in an attempt to regain control of their lives.