Leonardo DiCaprio's lesser-known suspenseful masterpiece, 'Shutter Island', is a must-watch. Stream it promptly on Paramount Plus.
In the gripping psychological thriller "Shutter Island", directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, we find ourselves on a haunting island - Shutter Island, a hospital for the criminally insane. DiCaprio plays U.S. Marshal Edward "Teddy" Daniels, a character who experiences intense migraines, flashbacks, and vivid dreams as he investigates the disappearance of a patient named Rachel Solando.
As the story unfolds, multiple patients claim to know Teddy, and one even claims to be his wife. But the most notable plot twist is that Teddy Daniels is actually Andrew Laeddis, a patient at the asylum he investigates. This revelation, hidden behind the persona of Teddy Daniels (an anagram of his real name), comes as a shock to viewers.
Throughout the film, Teddy believes he is investigating a missing patient while chasing leads and struggling with his memories. However, by the end, it is revealed that he himself murdered his wife after she drowned their children. The entire investigation is a role-play created by the doctors to help him confront reality.
The film ends with an ambiguous line spoken by DiCaprio's character: "Which would be worse: To live as a monster, or to die as a good man?" This line leaves viewers questioning Teddy's fate, leading to interpretations that he may be choosing to live in his delusion or actually surrendering. This ending was a departure from the novel and has generated much discussion among fans and critics.
"Shutter Island" is a movie that rewards a second viewing, allowing viewers to spot things they may have missed the first time around, and to consider the story from the perspective of characters other than Teddy. The film, now available on Paramount Plus, features a stellar cast, including Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Max von Sydow, and Emily Watson, in addition to DiCaprio.
Critics, including Roger Ebert, have praised Scorsese's directing and the film's plot twists. Ebert suggests that a second viewing of "Shutter Island" might be worthwhile, as it offers a deeper understanding of the story and its characters. With 21 Academy Award nominees in its cast, "Shutter Island" is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and suspenseful cinema.
In 2025, Malcolm, a critic, recommends "Shutter Island" as one of the nine best shows he's watched out of the 43 he has viewed that year. The movie is rated 68% "fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its popularity and critical acclaim. If you haven't seen "Shutter Island" yet, it's time to delve into the mind-bending world of this masterful film.
References: [1] IMDb. (2021). Shutter Island. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363771/ [2] Rotten Tomatoes. (2021). Shutter Island. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/shutter_island [3] Roger Ebert. (2010). Shutter Island. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/shutter-island-2010 [4] The New Yorker. (2010). Shutter Island. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/02/22/shutter-island
- "Shutter Island, with its star-studded cast and captivating storyline, is a standout in the realm of movies-and-tv that delve into the world of entertainment and celebrities."
- "Viewers interested in psychological thrillers and suspenseful cinema might appreciate the critically acclaimed and popular film 'Shutter Island', which offers a multi-layered exploration of celebrities' lives, entertainment, and entertainment-related industries."
