Transsiberian

As the film opens,
American couple Woody Harrelson and Emily Mortimer are getting on the train
from Beijing, where they've just participated in a church-based humanitarian
mission. The two couldn't be more different: He's gregarious and almost
relentlessly upbeat, she's introverted and tough to read, much happier taking
photographs alone than socializing with people. As Harrelson and Mortimer get
on each other's nerves, another attractive couple (Eduardo Noriega and Kate
Mara) turn up as their new bunkmates and drive a deeper wedge between them. The
two couples initially have fun boozing and trading stories, but Mortimer is
smitten with the handsome Noriega, whom she knows dangerously little about.
Meanwhile, Russian narcotics detective Ben Kingsley is investigating a
drug-related homicide, and he takes a keen interest in the foursome's
activities.

Though Harrelson's name is
first in the cast list, Transsiberian belongs to Mortimer, who digs into a complicated
character who seems decent and trustworthy, but often acts out of ruthless
self-interest when the pressure's on. While it piles on the hair-raising
twists, the film is ultimately a morality tale about the devastating
consequences of people not taking responsibility for their actions. And though
Anderson's storytelling gets murky at times, it's still a fine showcase for his
versatility, adding to an impressive, under-the-radar résumé that includes the
underrated science-fiction comedy Happy Accidents and the first-rate horror
film Session 9.
Hopefully, his latest won't also get cast into the ether.