The key to really enjoying a movie is to not have any expectations. In December when “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” was released, I was disappointed because my expectations were so high.

Thankfully when I saw trailers for Steven Soderbergh’s newest film “Side Effects,” they did not give me high expectations for what this film would be. I was quickly proven wrong in this thrilling film that would easily be my favorite film of 2013 so far.

“Side Effects” is a story that revolves around Emily Taylor, played by Rooney Mara (“Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”), a young woman who struggles with bouts of depression. When her husband Martin, played by Channing Tatum, returns home from prison, she returns to a state of depression and starts seeing Jude Law’s character, a psychologist named Dr. Jonathan Banks.

A great look into today’s world of psychology as well as the pharmaceutical industry ensues as Mara gives an outstanding performance. Her portrayal of Emily Taylor intrigues me to see her in her other films.

What really made this film so great was a fantastic script written by Scott Z. Burns (“The Bourne Ultimatum”), and the direction from one of the premier directors of today’s cinema, Steven Soderbergh.

I do not want to talk much about what actually happens during the film because I am afraid that by saying anything, I would be giving something away. There are so many great twists and turns to this film that I was sitting on the edge of my seat the entire time.

If you’re looking for something to do one weekend, or if you just have some spare time on your hands, you should definitely see this film. No matter what type of films you like, I’m sure you will enjoy this movie.

I would rate this film a 4.25 out of 5.