Director: Yuval Adler
Starring: Noomi Rapace, Joel Kinnaman, Chris Messina, Amy Seimetz
Running Time: 97 minutes
Synopsis: It's the late 1950s, and Romanian Maja (Noomi Rapace) is still haunted by her European wartime experiences, although she is now settled in a quiet town in the United States with her husband Doctor Lewis Reid (Chris Messina). Maja spots refinery worker Thomas Steinman (Joel Kinnaman), a newcomer in town, and is convinced he is actually Karl, a Nazi unit member who abused her in the final days of World War Two. Maja's quest for revenge will upturn her life.
What Works Well: This study of the past haunting the present is brimming with layers of secrets and emotional conflict, both within characters and between them, as the plot boldly seeks surprises and challenging paths. Noomi Rapace delivers a powerhouse performance of quiet rage, determination, and clashing motivations. The other cast members also do well, with Joel Kinnaman jealously guarding the question of guilt, and Amy Seimetz (as Thomas' wife Rachel) growing in prominence as Maja widens her search for the truth.
What Does Not Work As Well: Several plot details are questionable, including a sudden turn to violence by seemingly peaceful characters, gunshots not raising alarm on a quiet street, and the erratic actions of Maja's husband Lewis. The final twist favours shock value over character coherence, leading to an abrupt ending that fails to balance build-up with release.
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