Review of Child 44 (2015) by Quincytheodore — 23 Aug 2015

The few good ones on a wintry harsh time.

Child 44 is a crime investigation with the backdrop of treason and espionage in post-World War II Russia. It's a bizarre take on detective flick and leaning more towards social commentary and the psychological repercussion of the time. It may be a bit slow as subplots are overlapping, but the great acting from the leading actors present an engaging spectacle.

Leo Demidova (Tom Hardy) is an upstanding officer of Russia. During the cold era of Stalin, he presides over many investigations to uproot treachery. His life and carrier would change drastically as a serial child killer emerges. He's soon demoted for chasing the truth, and with only his estranged wife Raisa (Noomi Rapace) at his side, he adamantly pursues the killer.

This is a complex setting for crime thriller, and it still works mostly due to the actors' capable performance. Tom Hardy and Noomi Rapace are both splendid on creating the human drama, audience would root for his character who is idealistic almost to a fault and in expense of personal relationship. Tom Hardy looks believable as an officer, more importantly a man, trying to do right despite the oppressive nature he must deal with.

Noomi Rapace looks confident as a survivor, she wears a tough front and confidently strong yet has a fragile side as well. These two are not the usual spouse as their issues are pretty dysfunctional and sadly deep-rooted, occasionally they might even resemble partners than husband and wife. Gary Oldman is versatile and certainly impressive here, he pulls off the magnetic general in stoic manner, yet still seemingly combative at times.

The narrative covers a great deal of subjects. This in turn creates a longer runtime as well as more subplots. Granted, it may be too slow for some audience. Its mix on the crime and social aspects take time to bear fruit. It is rewarding in the end, although the first half might feel plodding and not every angles work. The action could be better too, since the camera shakes violently in a few of the action sequences.

This is a different kind of thriller, it traverses through not only one but many touchy subjects. However, the acting prowess and adequate material present a fascinating look on the time and the cruelty it harbors.