a veritable multi-pack of overused plots and devices

Rating: 3/10 (19 April 2010)

I'll start by saying that I've not read the book and am reserving judgement, but after squirming in my seat for around two and a half hours it's not looking good. In addition I usually find your mainstream thrillers and crime dramas gut rottingly dull.
What you get with this film is a clumsy crime thriller who's main protagonist is a dark, complex, but poorly drawn female. A good portion of the film is spent justifying her eccentricity in a series of gratuitous scenes where she is made to perform sexual acts. I understand the theme of men who hate women etc. My problem is that it seems to be saying the only reason someone could be like this is through some kind of abuse or tragedy. I find this sort of logic simplistic and annoying. The scenes themselves are a cheap way to get you to feel something for the character. That said Noomi Rapace does an excellent job considering the drivel she is given to work with - she almost manages to polish a turd. The acting from her supporting cast is clunky to say the least. No-one else really comes across as believable.
Enough said I'm not going to waste any more of my life on this howler. I advise you to do the same.