Most of you by now will have been introduced to some form of Scandinavian thriller, whether it be TV or Movie, there is now a global recognition that if it’s bleak, disturbing and atmospheric thrillers that you are after, they can deliver.
“The Keeper of Lost Causes”, based on the book by Jussi Adler-Olsen (Department Q), focuses in on a mismatched duo forced to work in said department trying to sift through old cases. Nikolaj Lie Kaas (Karl) and Fares Fares (Assad) play off each other well as the grumpy, hardened detective unwillingly paired with the ultra-keen ‘newbie’, their task at hand made increasingly difficult by Karl’s stubbornness.
The story itself is easy to follow – the case they decide to open up again was supposed to be resolved some 5 years ago, but there were too many questions for Karl to leave it alone. It’s not as simple as opening it up and solving it, and instead we are led down a path of intrigue and mystery, with disturbing revealing moments that remain seemingly out of place until the final act. I’m a big fan of movies that hold out on the big reveal; it encourages a re-watch, providing an incomparable satisfaction and enjoyment the moment it all ‘clicks’.
While it would fall largely into the pool of predictable thrillers, this remains very minimalistic in style and compelling in content. Consequently you become sucked into this dark, unnerving world that lingers with you long after it’s finished. It isn’t mind-blowing, but it did top the local box office in Denmark, and has had 2 films follow it as part of a trilogy – so clearly it’s struck a chord with many.
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