The Voices (15)

YOU know you are in trouble when the two points on your moral compass are governed by a malicious cat and an overly forgiving dog.

A mean-spirited cat with a Glaswegian accent and a benevolent mutt are all a troubled Ryan Reynolds has to guide him in the comedy horror The Voices.

In one of his most challenging and quirky roles, Reynolds plays pink jumpsuit-wearing factory worker Jerry who just happens to be able to speak to and rely on his pets.

He quiet, reserved, polite and wants to be helpful and good but he is secretly driven by murderous impulses that he is trying to repress.

All is going well until a road accident triggers Jerry's secret desires and without the state sanctioned aid of his meds he soon finds that his 'Mr Whiskers' dark side has the better of him.

Also starring Gemma Arterton and Anna Kendrick and coming across almost like a cross between Homeward Bound and Dexter, The Voices is bizarre and haunting but intriguing throughout.

It is also an interesting change in direction for director Marjane Satrapi, the Iranian author and filmmaker who was previously best known for Academy Award nominated animated feature Persepolis.

The only criticism is The Voices is pulled in too many directing going from a sort of offbeat rom-com to something rather violent and disturbing very fast.

Comedy and horror audiences tend to be different crowds so it will be interesting to see if it finds its audience.

But bubbling below the surface this is also a sad story about mental health told in a unique way.

DAVID MORGAN