The most intriguing thing about Atom Egoyan's new psychological thriller Felicia's Journey is its ambiguity.

 For the first half of the film, it's not clear what's happening. That is, unless you've seen previews or read interview articles.

 Even Egoyan has been candid about the film's subject matter.

 It's the story of an innocent pregnant Irish teenager and her terrifying encounter with a quiet, innocuous British catering manager who is actually a serial-killer of young women.

 Armed with this knowledge, Felicia's Journey is an

 entirely different cinema experience.

 To the uninitiated, the first half of the film is interminable and confusing, but at least it is baffling enough to trap the viewer into trying to second-guess Egoyan.

 But to those who know Bob Hoskins' character is a killer, it is just interminable.

 Egoyan introduces Felicia (Elaine Cassidy) as a distraught, lovesick teenager.

 The girl became pregnant by a young man from her village who had to leave for England before she discovered her condition.

 Felicia's father insists the boy is a rotter who has joined the British army.

 The lad told Felicia he was going to Birmingham to work in a factory. Armed with a bit of money and a lot of hope,

 Felicia sets out in search of her errant lover.

 In an entirely separate scenario, Egoyan introduces Joseph Hilditch (Hoskins), a much-respected catering manager.

 The middle-aged bachelor spends his days supervising meal preparations at a factory and his evenings preparing elaborate family meals.

 This much is certain: Felicia and Hilditch are destined to cross paths.

 Egoyan could be excused for the film's initial plodding pace if the second half had been a white-knuckle emotional rollercoaster ride.

 This was Alfred Hitchcock's trademark, and Felicia's Journey is certainly Hitchcock territory once

 Hilditch begins closing in on Felicia. The moment he actually gets her in his house, the audience should be quaking with terror. No such luck.

 Egoyan remains far too clinical and detached. As a director, he can't muster up the suspense, terror and tension such a film should bring.

 Hoskins is riveting as the repressed mama's boy. His detailed and chilling version of a sociopath is reminiscent of Richard Attenborough's stunning portrayal of British mass-murderer John Cristy in 10 Rillington Place.

 Hoskins' performance de-serves a better vehicle to showcase it.

(This film is rated R)

More Movie Reviews