Review of Frozen Silence (2012) by Jonathan B — 20 Jul 2015

Silencio en la Nieve is set during the Second World War when Franco sent troops to help the Nazis on the Russian frontline. I have to say that this is an episode in the war that I am completely ignorant of and it made for an interesting setting.

The opening scene is one of the most startling things I've seen in a long time and provides a suitably gruesome prelude to the plot which involves a series of unexplained murders of Spanish soldiers.

Former policeman Arturo (played by Juan Diego Botto) is set on the case to investigate the murders and try to explain the gruesome messages that have been carved into the bodies. What he uncovers is a twisted tale leading back to events that happened years before, back in Spain, with a killer motivated by revenge.

The backdrop is different and there is enough mystery to keep lovers of thrillers engaged in the plot. Gerado Herero directs the action with skill, making the most of his budget. Juan Diego Botto makes for a good lead and plays an attractive, if stereotypical character.

I think if you like "Nordic-Noir" stories, you'll enjoy this one.