David Fincher has a longitude of successful book-to-screen adaptions under his belt already; Fight Club and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo to name some. His most recent, Gone Girl, based on the best-selling 2012 novel is no exception – and if anything a career best.

Gone Girl begins on the fifth anniversary of Nick and Amy Dunne. Upon which, Amy goes missing. In a sought out search, the media circus quickly converge on the investigation and as it escalates pushes Nick into the criminal spotlight and accusing him of her murder.

Readily bulked up for Batman, Ben Affleck plays writer-come-teacher, Nick - whose life gets flipped upside down after Amy’s disappearance. Known as much for his direction than acting, Affleck thrives whilst presenting the likeable / unlikeable public mask. Did he kill her? Is he innocent?

Rosmand Pike, the titular Gone Girl, gives a career best as Amy. She is coldly precise, yet mesmerizing throughout - dare we say it an Oscar runner? Neil Patrick Harris and Tyler Perry also co-star.

Gillian Flynn, author of the Gone Girl novel also pens the films screenplay – which fans of the book will know enthrals a complex page-turning narrative. Equivalent on screen and giving due justice, the film adaption is just as thrilling and does not loosen up, leaving no hint of what to expect from the twisty, deceptive, drama.

Given an 18 (R) rating, Fincher goes all out visually – it’s aesthetically stunning and nicely dialled down from his OTT camera filters like previous features. Sound wise, Trent Reznor’s sublime score perfectly reflects the mystery genre.

With its powerful balance of dark story, character driven excitement – even at 149 minutes running time you cannot help but be entertained and wanting more. Gone Girl constantly keeps you on edge of seat.