Catherine (Moore) has spent months organising her husband’s surprise birthday party.  The big night arrives and all the guests are waiting but alas, David (Neeson) doesn’t show up.  He was due to fly in from New York but David tells his wife that he missed the flight by “a few minutes”.

Catherine isn’t convinced however.  When she sees an odd text message on his phone, she suspects that he’s having an affair.  Instead of confronting him directly, she decides to play a dangerous game of entrapment.

The bait is a high profile escort named Chloe (Seyfried).  Catherine gives Chloe details about her husband and then asks her to seduce him.  It’s a test to see just how faithful he is.  Will he ignore Chloe’s advances or will he be tempted by her flirtations?

Chloe is based on the French film Nathalie, released back in 2004.  I’m not often a fan of remakes but this intriguing tale has been beautifully told by Oscar nominated director Atom Egoyan (The Sweet Hereafter).  Unlike many films we see today, you’re never quite sure where the story is going to head next. 

Perhaps this is due to the complexity of the characters.  The always amazing Julianne Moore (Boogie Nights, Far From Heaven) portrays Catherine as a very insecure woman.  Is it a persona that has developed due to her husband’s suspicious activities?  Or is she a naturally paranoid person?  As the film progresses, you’ll learn she’s not the only character experiencing self-doubt.

Amanda Seyfried is also very good as Chloe.  You get the sense that this is an attempt to diversify herself as an actress.  Fans of films the family-oriented Mamma Mia! and Letters To Juliet may be shocked to see her nude in several scenes.

Critics have been dividend on Chloe but I found it to be a seductive thriller.