Although reminiscent of The Bodyguard starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, Disorder comes across as even more intense and intriguing. Because I’m a big fan of The Bodyguard, that’s high praise indeed.

This job is not a piece of cake.

Guarding Jessie great skill will take.

Poor Vincent doesn’t hear too well.

He seems nervous, so time will tell.

As Vincent goes about his work,

he checks each place someone might lurk.

Jessie keeps distance from her guard

at first, but later that’s too hard.

Together, evil men they fight.

And we want things to come out right!

We feel what Vincent’s going through

and everything he tries to do.

Things move quite slowly at the start.

Make sure you stay, do not depart.

This film takes patience, that is true.

Disorder’s worth it -- I tell you!

Most of the credit here goes to Matthias Schoenaerts (A Little Chaos) for his extraordinary portrayal of Vincent, a soldier suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder while trying to protect the wife of a wealthy arms dealer who has been arrested. But lovely Diane Kruger (Inglourious Basterds) also deserves kudos for her convincing turn as Jessie, the wife and mother under Vincent’s care. Kruger looks great (don’t miss that backless floral gown!) and makes Jessie likeable -- even when she projects an air of superiority. It’s interesting to watch the relationship between these two very different characters as it slowly develops during the course of the story. The push-pull romantic vibes are very subtle but definitely there.   

Still, Disorder is Schoenaerts film. He’s on camera throughout the entire movie. And he has very little dialogue, so his emotions and what he’s thinking have to show in his face and body language. Because of Schoenearts’ acting skill, Vincent ends up being one of the most fascinating characters on film so far this year.      

Director/co-writer Alice Winocour (Mustang) moves this thriller along with an uneven pace, which I think is necessary to build suspense for the last part of the movie. The cinematography and background music enhance rather than detract from what’s happening on screen – and that’s the way I like it.

Today (August 13) is Alfred Hitchcock’s birthday. I can’t help thinking that the Master of Suspense would give Disorder a thumbs up.

(Released by Sundance Selects in French with English subtitles. Not rated by MPAA.)

For more information about Disorder, go to the IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes website.