Review of The Snowman (2017) by James N R — 20 Oct 2017

Based on Jo Nesbø's bestselling novel of the same name, this Oslo-set crime thriller has everything working for it: a brilliant ensemble cast, a sublimely intelligent director, a gorgeously enigmatic location, and cracking source material.

It's curious then, that filmmaker Tomas Alfredson-the genius behind Let the Right One In and Tinker Tailer Solder Spy-has only managed a serviceable serial-killer mystery, rather than the genre classic it could have been.

The first act does a terrific job establishing the bleak atmosphere, Norway's capital shot as a perpetually sombre city ripe for the grim murders being investigated by our drunken protagonist, Harry Hole (Michael Fassbender).

Around the hour mark the plot, and the movie itself, starts to wither away; weird flashbacks to nine years earlier reveal a weak and unnecessary subplot, whilst Rebecca Ferguson's interesting supporting character is inexplicably sidelined for the final act.

The requisite climactic rug-pull is present, however it's effectiveness is dampened due to rapidly waning interest levels and a lack of unpredictability. The essential elements for greatness are here and for a while it seems like it's going to deliver, but ultimately The Snowman squanders its potential to sit middle of the pack.