The character of Mel serves as a symbol of the outsider, disrupting the fragile balance of William and Katarina's lives. Her true intentions are ambiguous, adding to the sense of uncertainty and unease.
The lighting is also noteworthy, with an emphasis on shadows and dimly lit spaces. This visual style contributes to the overall sense of unease and paranoia, making it difficult for the viewer to distinguish reality from William's distorted perceptions.
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film 3.5 out of 4 stars, praising Ruffalo's performance and the film's " creeping sense of dread".