🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Mikael Håfström
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Mystery
- Release year: 2005
- Runtime (length): 1h 48min
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10 (96k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 21%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Man forgets his wallet, starts an affair, gets robbed, and then it all goes sideways in a very dramatic and morally questionable way.
🍿 Derailed: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Meeting Lucinda and the Affair Begins
Charles Schine, an advertising executive struggling with his family life, meets Lucinda Harris on a commuter train. There’s an immediate connection, and they begin an affair. Charles is drawn to Lucinda’s charm and the escape she offers from his stressful home life, particularly the challenges of caring for his diabetic daughter. This sets the stage for the events that will quickly spiral out of control.

The Hotel Break-In and Blackmail
Their affair takes a dark turn when they are violently attacked during a rendezvous in a hotel room. Philippe LaRoche, a criminal, breaks in, assaulting Charles and sexually assaulting Lucinda. This traumatic event leads to a blackmail scheme, as LaRoche threatens to reveal the affair to Charles’ wife. Both Charles and Lucinda are hesitant to go to the police, adding another layer of complication.

Escalating Demands and Desperate Measures
LaRoche’s demands escalate, forcing Charles to embezzle money and seek help from a colleague, Winston Boyko, an ex-con. This decision proves disastrous, as Winston is killed by LaRoche. Charles is now caught in a web of lies and deceit, desperately trying to protect his family while dealing with the consequences of his actions. The situation spirals further as Charles makes increasingly risky choices.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Charles Schine (Clive Owen): A married advertising executive who gets caught in a blackmail scheme after having an affair.
- Lucinda Harris (Jennifer Aniston): The alluring financial advisor who initiates an affair with Charles and is part of the blackmail plot.
- LaRoche (Vincent Cassel): The violent criminal who blackmails Charles and Lucinda after their affair is exposed.
- Deanna Schine (Melissa George): Charles’ wife, unaware of his infidelity and struggling with their daughter’s medical condition.
- Winston Boyko (RZA): Charles’ ex-con colleague who attempts to help him deal with the blackmailer.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Philippe LaRoche: “Man, you ended up in the wrong prison, Charlie!” – LaRoche taunts Charles, believing he has him cornered.
- Charles Schine: “I CHOSE this prison.” – Charles responds to LaRoche, revealing his calculated plan for revenge.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $22,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $36,024,076
- Worldwide Gross: $57,479,076
💥 Derailed Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so ‘Derailed’ isn’t perfect, but I was definitely entertained! Clive Owen is great as the everyman who gets way over his head, and Vincent Cassel is genuinely creepy as the bad guy. Jennifer Aniston tries something different, and while it’s not her best role, I appreciated the effort. The twists kept me guessing, even if some of them were a bit far-fetched. I remember feeling stressed during the blackmail scenes and even felt a little sympathy for the main character, despite his questionable choices! The ending was definitely a surprise, and overall, I thought it was a fun, suspenseful ride.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of crime thrillers”
- “Viewers interested in movies with plot twists”
- “Those who enjoy Clive Owen and Jennifer Aniston’s performances”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong violence”
- “Sexual content”
- “Language”
- “Blackmail”
Professional Reviews
- The Hollywood Reporter: “A twisty thriller with solid performances, but ultimately falls short due to implausible plot developments. Clive Owen delivers a compelling performance as a man driven to the edge, while Jennifer Aniston attempts a departure from her usual roles. However, the film struggles to maintain suspense, and the ending feels rushed.
- Variety: “‘Derailed’ offers moments of genuine suspense and features a strong villainous turn by Vincent Cassel. However, the film suffers from predictability and a lack of originality. The pacing is uneven, and certain plot points require a significant suspension of disbelief, preventing it from fully succeeding as a top-tier thriller.
- Rolling Stone: “While ‘Derailed’ aims for a Hitchcockian level of suspense, it misses the mark due to its convoluted plot and reliance on shock value. Clive Owen’s performance is commendable, but the script lets him down. Jennifer Aniston’s attempt at a darker role feels unconvincing, contributing to the film’s overall lack of impact.
Audience Reactions
Clive Owen’s captivating performance as an ordinary man in extraordinary circumstances resonated with viewers.: Viewers frequently praised the film’s ability to keep them on the edge of their seats with its numerous twists and turns.
Vincent Cassel’s chilling portrayal of the villain was a standout element for many audience members.: Many people said that the dark atmosphere and suspenseful plot made it a thoroughly engrossing experience.
Overall Consensus: ‘Derailed’ is a suspenseful thriller with strong performances, but its implausible plot and predictable elements prevent it from achieving true greatness. The movie will keep you entertained, but it is unlikely to blow you away.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is based on the novel of the same name by James Siegel.”
- “Several scenes were filmed in London, despite the story being set in Chicago.”
- “Jennifer Aniston’s role was a deliberate attempt to move away from her ‘Friends’ image and showcase her dramatic acting abilities.”
🖥️ How to Watch Derailed?
Derailed is available for streaming rental or purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check local listings for availability on cable or satellite on-demand services. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Derailed, you might like these similar films:
- Unfaithful (2002): Deals with the consequences of an affair and the moral implications of choices made.
- Fatal Attraction (1987): Explores the dangerous consequences of infidelity and obsession.
- The Score (2001): Features a heist plot and a complex web of deceit and betrayal.
🛒 Derailed Related Products
- Derailed [Blu-ray]: Experience the suspense of Derailed in stunning high definition with this Blu-ray edition. Perfect for movie collectors and fans of the thriller genre.
- Clive Owen Movie Collection [DVD]: A collection of films starring Clive Owen. Enjoy a variety of his best performances in different genres.
- Noir Style Trench Coat: Classic trench coat to capture the dark and stylish world of the movie.
- Train Commuter Mug: A mug with a design resembling a train station perfect for a coffee on your commute.
🎧 Soundtrack
Derailed features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
While the movie is set in Chicago, much of the filming took place in London, England.
Yes, Derailed is based on the novel of the same name by James Siegel.
The major plot twist is that Lucinda (Jennifer Aniston) is not who she appears to be. She is actually part of a criminal scheme to blackmail Charles (Clive Owen).
🔥 Bonus Content
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Ever wonder what went wrong with the movie ‘Wanted’? CinemaSins hilariously points out all the flaws in just 17 minutes! You might not agree with everything, but it’s definitely entertaining.
Top 10 Films That Derailed The Franchise
This video talks about the top 10 films that derailed a franchise. While not about the movie, it uses the word ‘Derailed’ in a similar context and could be interesting to viewers.
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