Starring: Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, Gary Oldman, Joel Kinnaman
Director: Daniel Espinosa
Based on a popular novel by Tom Rob Smith, the drama in this films comes from the concept prevalent in Soviet Russia under Stalin that since the political revolution created a perfect society, there could not possibly be any such thing as crime.
When a series of child murders start to occur, the cover up must be complete, or they would give the lie to this idea on which the very fabric of society was based. But one of the children found killed, the 44th victim, is the god child of an idealistic young officer and war hero, Demidov (Hardy).
Over the course of time, Demidov has managed to catch the jealous gaze of Vasili (Kinnaman), who covets his life and position. Demidov soon finds his wife accused of political crimes, and when they are banished from the capital in disgrace, barely escaping much worse punishment, Demidov’s life really starts to unravel, but the mystery of who is killing children is just beginning.
Between political intrigue and chilling serial child murder, the film is carried by the brilliant performances of Hardy and his wife, played by Noomi Rapace. Their marriage is a complex one, and grows over the course of the film, which is really nice and gives the film an emotional core that makes this film much more engrossing than it otherwise could be. Whilst she is both terrified and strong, and he is unassailable, idealistic and yet very vulnerable. The over arching themes of political corruption and tight control are frankly terrifying.
The film has flaws (it’s saccharine sweet ending, for example), but over all, it’s a functional thriller, with excellent performances and enough twists and set pieces to keep you guessing.
See It If: you’re looking for an entertaining, political thriller. So many modern thrillers disappoint, but this one mostly delivers.
Wildfire Movies 
Great review. Coincidentaly, I reviewed this one on my blog around Christmas. Thought it was a great movie too, and with some flaws just as you say. Tom Hardy was terrific in his role (but then again, when is he not? 😀)
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You did? Did I see it? 😃 I watched this sometime last year, but scheduled the post. It feels like a dark Winter film, right? Hardy is great!
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Haha, Yes I did lol 😂 It really felt like a dark film indeed. I actually saw it twice during Christmas, and have to admit that I liked it even better after seeing it the second time….whoa..thanks for all the likes, my reader can’t keep up haha 😂
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😂😂 Sorry! I missed some of your posts! Had to catch up!
Congrats on all your awards by the way!! That’s awesome! Well deserved. 🌟
I like films that are a bit dark & gritty. 😃
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Haha, well thank you again 😀 Yes, that is my favorite style of movie as well. Am currently right in the middle of a very dark thriller type of anime called Monster. I can’t stop watching it, it’s truly amazing. Well, luckily 2017 will have it’s share of dark movies heading our way 😀
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I love when you find a series (or a book) that you can’t stop watching! It’s so good. 😃
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We half-watched this at Christmas (starting too late, which sadly meant certain family members fell asleep and we broke up the party) and I promptly had it thoroughly spoiled over breakfast by 2 of those family members discussing in detail all the ways in which it diverged from the book. Eh. Family. Gotta love ’em, right?
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This one is decidedly going on my list of things to watch. Thank you for this insightful review!
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You’re so welcome, thank you for stopping by. ❤
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Tom Hardy is one of my favorite actors. I admire his chameleon abilities and I jus can’t resist his voice.
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He’s a really good actor, and great in this film!
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