Review of TransSiberian (2008) by Dylan B — 20 Mar 2009

Solid performances from Ben Kingsley as a Russian detective and Emily Mortimer as an American traveler anchor this character drama set aboard a train crossing the Siberian wilderness. Brad Anderson, who directed the masterfully spooky _Session 9_, here turns his attention to more worldly issues like drug-running and the impact of a person's past history upon current relationships.

Jessie (Mortimer) and Roy (Woody Harrelson in a somewhat subdued performance) are Americans returning home from a church mission in China aboard the train (Roy is a train enthusiast, and they thought the trip might serve as a bonding experience). Jessie has had a bit of a "wild child" past, while Roy is the church-goer who wants to be closer. On board the train, they bump into Spaniard Carlos (Eduardo Noriega) and his traveling companion Abby (Kate Mara), a couple with a questionable past and a mysterious purpose. Meanwhile, Ben Kingsley's Grinko is investigating the local drug trade, an investigation that crosses paths with the titular train.

Throw in the desolate beauty of the frozen landscape (not all of the film takes place on board the train) and a bit of Russian intrigue, and it's an absorbing experience.