Within even the greatest of men who posses the greatest of skill, there is a dark side looming, and whether that dark side is suppressed or not is difficult to tell.

The movie “Flight” (directed by Robert Zemeckis) casts Denzel Washington as the charismatic and seemingly collected pilot Captain “Whip” Whitaker, who has reached a point where his addictions are consuming him.

The incident that starts it all is when the plane he is flying malfunctions and nosedives out of control.

Miraculously, he keeps his calm and lands the plane in the middle of a field, saving all except four aboard his plane. In the aftermath of the crash, questions come up after a preliminary blood test reveals he had cocaine in his system and was still drunk after a night of partying.

The film details how he hides from the press attention and even befriends another recovering addict named Nicole, played by Kelly Reilly.

This film is stellar. From the moment the film begins, it is clear this movie does not prance around the issues—it tackles addiction head on.

Washington deserves an award for this role. He gives his character an arrogance and charm that is extremely conflicting, but rightfully so. Though it is hard to understand why those around him keep enabling him, his charm clicks right on and he tricks the audience right back into believing him. Washington masters the artistry and deception of an addict flawlessly. He gives a nearly selfish character a rotted soul that still glimmers a tiny bit of goodness at moments.

The film itself is hardly predictable. Its anti hero does not let it be, because the movie is as volatile as its main character. One moment he is up, the next he is down.

The movie masterfully illustrates how addiction not only influences the afflicted, but their families as well and, in this case, the lives of many around them.

The entire cast is extremely strong.

Reilly as Nicole is heartbreakingly delicate and evokes emotion beautifully. She and Washington have an apparent chemistry that makes the relationship very believable. 

John Goodman appears as Harling Mays, a shady dealer and friend to Whip. He is humorous, obnoxious and rowdy, and brilliantly so. He is one of the devils on Whip’s shoulder.

Other stand-outs in the film include Brian Greenwood as Charlie Anderson, an old friend of Whip’s who dedicates himself to Whip’s cause and getting him out of trouble. Greenwood is natural on screen.

Another great cast member who deserves recognition is Don Cheadle as Hugh Lang, a lawyer representing Whip. Cheadle gives Hugh a calming composure, but when he is frustrated it is clearly executed.

The film is impressive and striking. It is a bit difficult to watch, as the subject matter is very heavy.

This is not light date night fare. It provokes thoughts and questions into the nature of addiction and how much grace should be given to someone who is spiraling like a plane out of control.

When awards season comes, this film needs to be in the running. It is a film of substance (no pun intended) and ultimately has an amazing message the audience has to decipher for themselves.