Gone Girl: David Fincher's thriller arrives on HBO Max this January

Gone Girl, directed by David Fincher and adapted from Gillian Flynn’s bestselling novel Les Apparences, is a psychological thriller that hit theaters in 2014. Featuring standout performances by Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike, the film delves into the construction of public narratives, the intricacies of suspicion, and the gray areas within relationships. It will be available on HBO Max starting January 16, 2026.

On their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne reports his wife Amy missing. Before long, the case spirals beyond a private affair: the police, the media, and public opinion all become entangled, with even the slightest inconsistency turning into a damning clue. As the investigation unfolds, the image of the “perfect couple” begins to crack, raising a persistent, haunting question fueled by conflicting stories and appearances: is Nick involved?

Without revealing its plot twists, Gone Girl builds its suspense through the flow of information, shifting narratives, and the way a criminal case becomes a public spectacle. The film examines how external perspectives—cameras, talk shows, influence networks—reshape reality, and how a couple can turn into a battleground of stories where the truth continually slips away.

Gone Girl trailer

Gone Girl

Fincher continues to explore the recurring themes of his filmmaking here: meticulous precision, attention to detail, mastery over information, and a tense, oppressive atmosphere. The adaptation stands out because Gillian Flynn herself penned the screenplay, ensuring that the dark, wickedly humorous essence of the novel is maintained, while also restructuring some scenes to enhance the story’s impact on screen.

• To be read
• Top cinemas in Paris

The pairing of Affleck and Pike is at the heart of the story: Nick, a character constantly reevaluated through others’ perceptions, and Amy, a central figure whose complexity defies simple categorization. Surrounding them, Neil Patrick Harris and Tyler Perry add layers of perspective, navigating intimacy, investigation, and manipulation. On the technical side, the film boasts a highly polished visual style—Fincher shot in stunning 6K high-definition—complemented by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s evocative score, which creates an unsettling atmosphere rather than outright suspense.

Gone Girl appeals to fans of psychological thrillers and intricate stories that keep unraveling with twists and turns, where surprises often come from character behaviors as much as from the plot itself. It can be likened to works like Prisoners for its moral tension and investigative tension, or to modern thrillers focused on perception and manipulation.

Gone Girl | Film | 2014
Cinema release: October 8, 2014
Available on HBO Max from January 16, 2026
Drama, Crime, Thriller | Duration: 2h 29min
Directed by David Fincher | Starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris
Original title: Gone Girl
Country: United States

By unraveling married life through the lens of a disappearance and media frenzy, Gone Girl delivers a sharp, tense, and satirical thriller. It transforms personal secrets into public spectacles, showcasing how every story can become a weapon.

For those looking to go further, check out our curated list of HBO Max's new releases for January, our guide to the latest streaming releases across all platforms, and today’s top pick what to stream today.

This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.