All Good Things

The film, 'All Good Things,' is a crime drama directed by Andrew Jarecki, released in 2010. It stars Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Dunst, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, delving into one of the most infamous unsolved murder cases in New York history. The true-story-inspired narrative revolves around David Marks (played by Ryan Gosling) and Katie Marks (played by Kirsten Dunst), a young couple who seemingly have the perfect life. They are newlyweds, enjoying their honeymoon phase, and establishing a future together. David, a charismatic entrepreneur, is driven to succeed, having taken over his father's business. He is also shown to be a devoted husband, with a loving nature that makes Katie feel cherished. However, beneath the surface, their relationship seems fragile, and Katie starts to feel trapped and unhappy. Despite her efforts to address her doubts, David becomes increasingly possessive and controlling, demonstrating an alarming lack of emotional intelligence. His infatuation with Katie starts to border on obsession. The couple's marriage is a facade, as the love and affection that once existed are dwindling. One day, a young woman named Sara (played by Liz Wilson) goes missing after a night out with David. It is soon discovered that Sara has been murdered. The investigation that follows reveals David as the prime suspect, due to suspicious circumstances surrounding their time together. With the help of his defense team, David is acquitted, largely based on the questionable credibility of the investigation and inconsistencies in the prosecution's case. Despite his acquittal, a lingering sense of guilt starts to manifest in David. Although he claims innocence, his behavior suggests otherwise. Katie, who is emotionally battered by her marriage and its subsequent collapse, begins to realize that her once-devoted partner is, in fact, a calculating manipulator. As the days go by, Sara's disappearance and subsequent demise have a profound effect on Katie. She starts to question her past and her marriage, grappling with the idea that her loved one could be capable of such an unspeakable crime. In the end, Katie leaves David and starts anew, taking her first steps towards healing and finding happiness. Meanwhile, a new lead appears in the case. A private investigator named Marc (played by Bob Balaban) discovers some previously unknown and incriminating facts surrounding David's relationship with Sara. David, realizing his freedom may be in jeopardy, makes a hasty decision that ultimately brings him down. Throughout 'All Good Things,' Ryan Gosling's nuanced performance provides a complex glimpse into the dark and fragile psyche of David Marks. His portrayal captures the gradual descent of a once-promising individual into an unrecognizable persona, haunted by the weight of his past. The film takes an intriguing approach to storytelling, combining fact and fiction to delve into the true events of Robert Durst's case, using an amalgamation of records, interviews, and public testimony. The narrative is woven with interviews of the real Durst, whose voice is a chilling and enigmatic component of the film. The blend of the documentary and dramatic elements offers a multifaceted exploration of love, obsession, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction. The cinematography captures the atmosphere of New York City during the time period, emphasizing the stark contrast between the idyllic façade of David's life and the gruesome reality of Sara's fate. The camera work effectively underscores the growing sense of unease that permeates the film's second half, culminating in a poignant and disturbing conclusion. 'All Good Things' is a thought-provoking and engaging drama, tackling the complexities of love and obsession, and shedding light on one of the most infamous unsolved murder cases in New York history. With outstanding performances, gripping narrative, and an atmospheric visual tone, 'All Good Things' is a film that will linger in viewers' minds long after the credits roll.