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Yes, the plot is predictable and rather insulting, trading on frequent twists and turns, as well as about 10 endings (the last hour of the film is one climactic scene after another). And yes, it does eventually get to virtually the same spot as most thrillers. But along the way, Franklin (One False Move) works to keep things grounded in real life, mostly through throwaway details, direction that focuses on people not plot, and extremely authentic performances. There's not a weak link in the cast; Judd and Freeman get a chance to again play on their chemistry with natural characters we can easily identify with. And the surrounding supporting cast is full of people who simply are not who they seem to be, even though the script tries over and over again to mislead us with an endless string of red herrings. In less gifted hands, this would have been yet another brainless, derivative woman-in-peril thing, but Franklin and his cast make sure the film is actually watchable and compelling.