Watch Puzzle

"Puzzle" is a moving and thought-provoking drama from 2018, directed by Marc Turtletaub and starring Kelly Macdonald, Irrfan Khan, and David Denman. The film follows Agnes (Macdonald), a suburban housewife who feels trapped in a monotonous life of domestic drudgery. She spends her days cooking, cleaning, and caring for her husband Louie (Denman) and their two sons, but deep down she longs for something more. Agnes' world is turned upside down when she receives a jigsaw puzzle as a birthday gift. She discovers that she has a talent for solving puzzles and becomes obsessed with the activity. She begins sneaking off to a local puzzle shop to buy more and more difficult puzzles, and soon catches the eye of Robert (Khan), a wealthy puzzle enthusiast who recruits her to become his partner in an upcoming national jigsaw puzzle championship. As Agnes spends more and more time with Robert, she discovers that she has a passion for puzzles that she never knew existed. At the same time, she begins to realize that she is in a loveless marriage and that she wants more from life than what she has. She starts to question whether she can keep up her double life of puzzle-solving and domestic duties, and whether she has the courage to make a change. "Puzzle" is a film that explores the themes of identity, purpose, and self-discovery. It is a character-driven piece, focusing on the emotional journey of Agnes as she tries to find her place in the world. Kelly Macdonald delivers a standout performance as Agnes, imbuing her character with a quiet strength and vulnerability that is both relatable and moving. Irrfan Khan is also excellent as Robert, adding humor and depth to his portrayal of a wealthy, cultured puzzle maker. David Denman brings a sense of realism to the role of Louie, Agnes' husband, playing him as a well-meaning but ultimately uninspiring figure. The film's cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing the mundane beauty of suburban life and the excitement of top-level puzzle competitions. The puzzle pieces themselves become a metaphor for Agnes' quest for self-discovery, representing the fragmented pieces of her identity that she must put together. Overall, "Puzzle" is a poignant and stirring film that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped or unfulfilled in their own life. It is a film about the power of human connection, the importance of passion, and the beauty of being true to oneself. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a moving, character-driven drama.