10 Movie Moments That Should Make You Look Away (But Totally Gripped You)

2. The Abduction - Nocturnal Animals

Quite possibly the most nerve-wracking entry on this list; Tom Ford’s second directorial feature challenges any viewer to make it to the end of the film without taking a single benzodiazepine.

While not in any way graphic or particularly violent, this movie moment is nonetheless extremely distressing. Jake Gyllenhaal’s Tony Hastings, as well as his wife and daughter, are driving through West Texas at night when they are run off the road by three criminals.

The three men intimidate and berate Tony and terrorise his wife and daughter; things soon escalate and the situation becomes physical before Tony’s car is hijacked and his family are abducted. The tension in this scene is unbearable and the anxiety it evokes is almost painful, you’re gripped with fear and can’t help but worry for Tony and his family as they face intense peril.

Whether you’re watching the scene because you’re paralysed by fear or because you’re well and truly engrossed…you’re watching this scene.