NEW YORK (CNS)—The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by Catholic News Service.

“Gone Girl” (Fox)

A jaundiced view of marriage permeates this abrasive drama in which an apparently happy suburban couple’s dark secrets are revealed after the wife (Rosamund Pike) mysteriously disappears and all clues seem to suggest that her husband (Ben Affleck) has murdered her. Fortunately for him, the lead investigator (Kim Dickens) on the case is reluctant to jump to conclusions and his twin sister (Carrie Coon) proves steadfast in her support despite the mounting negative evidence. Director David Fincher’s adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s bestselling novel features some fine acting, clever plot twists and telling jabs at the manipulative influence of the media. But his film also showcases seedy sexual behavior in an exploitative manner and becomes blood-soaked during a climactic scene that’s played for shock value. Considerable violence with brief but extreme gore; strong sexual content, including graphic adulterous and aberrant sexual activity as well as upper female and rear nudity; at least one use of profanity; pervasive rough and much crude language. The Catholic News Service classification is O—morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R—restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

“The Judge” (Warner Bros.)

Adequate but overextended drama in which a hotshot Chicago lawyer (Robert Downey Jr.) struggles to defend his estranged father (Robert Duvall) after ornery Dad, a respected small-town judge, is accused of causing a fatal hit-and-run accident. As the two butt heads, the soon-to-be divorced attorney rekindles his romance with his high-school sweetheart (Vera Farmiga) and revives his relationship with his brothers (Vincent D’Onofrio and Jeremy Strong). A seamy subplot, dealt with in an inappropriately offhand manner, mars director David Dobkin’s otherwise mostly warmhearted film and calls for mature discretion on the part of viewers. Nongraphic casual sexual activity involving unintentional incest, some scatological humor and images, about a dozen uses of profanity, considerable rough and crude language. The Catholic News Service classification is L—limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R—restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

“The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them” (Weinstein)

This absorbing and provocative study of grief and its destructive effects on a young married couple (Jessica Chastain and James McAvoy) has nothing to do with The Beatles’ 1966 hit single, apart from its borrowing of the title character’s name. The tragic death of their son has driven the duo apart. After a failed suicide bid, she retreats to the sanctuary of her childhood home, still occupied by her quirky parents (Isabelle Huppert and William Hurt), while he searches for her as well as for a way to save his failing business. Written and directed by Ned Benson, the film is one of three telling the same story from different perspectives. What emerges here is a blend of grand romance and therapy session as husband and wife seek healing and a path back to their lost love. A suicide attempt, adulterous situations, nongraphic sexual activity with brief upper female nudity, some crude language. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III—adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R—restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.