The Snowman (2017) Movie Review
A Chilling Thriller That Misses the Mark
The Snowman, directed by Tomas Alfredson and based on Jo Nesbø’s bestselling novel, promised to be a gripping Nordic noir thriller. Released in 2017, the film stars Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Ferguson, and Charlotte Gainsbourg. Despite its star-studded cast and intriguing source material, The Snowman unfortunately fails to deliver a coherent and compelling narrative, leaving audiences cold.
Plot Overview
The story follows Detective Harry Hole (Michael Fassbender), an alcoholic police officer in Oslo, Norway, who is investigating the disappearance of a woman whose scarf is found wrapped around an ominous-looking snowman. As he delves deeper into the case, Harry, alongside new recruit Katrine Bratt (Rebecca Ferguson), discovers a pattern of similar disappearances and murders linked to a serial killer who taunts the police with snowmen.
As the investigation unfolds, Harry must confront his own personal demons while trying to stop the elusive and sadistic killer before he strikes again.
Characters and Performances
Michael Fassbender delivers a strong performance as Harry Hole, embodying the character’s complex mix of brilliance and self-destructiveness. However, even Fassbender’s talent cannot fully salvage the film from its disjointed narrative and underdeveloped characters. Rebecca Ferguson is commendable as Katrine Bratt, bringing depth and determination to her role, but her character’s arc feels incomplete due to the film’s pacing issues.
Charlotte Gainsbourg plays Rakel, Harry’s ex-girlfriend, adding a personal subplot that unfortunately feels disconnected from the main storyline. J.K. Simmons and Val Kilmer appear in supporting roles, but their characters are underutilized, leaving viewers wanting more from their performances.
Direction and Cinematography
Tomas Alfredson, known for his work on Let the Right One In and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, struggles to maintain the tension and coherence needed for a successful thriller. The film’s pacing is uneven, with abrupt transitions and a lack of clear narrative progression. Cinematographer Dion Beebe captures the stark and icy beauty of the Norwegian landscape, which adds to the film’s eerie atmosphere, but the visual appeal is not enough to compensate for the storytelling flaws.
Themes and Symbolism
The Snowman attempts to explore themes of obsession, loss, and the impact of childhood trauma on adult behavior. The snowman itself is used as a symbol of the killer’s presence and a harbinger of death, intended to evoke fear and unease. However, the film’s muddled execution of these themes leaves much to be desired, and the symbolism often feels heavy-handed and ineffective.
Streaming and Rental Options in the US
For those interested in watching The Snowman, there are several streaming and rental options available in the United States:
- Streaming Services: The film is available on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. Both platforms offer extensive libraries of movies and TV shows, making it convenient for subscribers to access the film.
- Rental/Purchase: You can rent or purchase the movie on Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu. These platforms provide the flexibility to rent the film for a limited period or purchase it for unlimited viewing.
Final Verdict
The Snowman is a disappointing adaptation that fails to live up to the potential of its source material and the talent of its cast and crew. Despite its atmospheric cinematography and strong performances, particularly by Michael Fassbender and Rebecca Ferguson, the film’s incoherent plot and lackluster direction make it a missed opportunity in the thriller genre.
While fans of Jo Nesbø’s novels and Nordic noir may still find some aspects of the film worth watching, The Snowman ultimately falls short as a compelling and engaging thriller. With multiple streaming and rental options available, audiences in the United States can easily access the film, but they may want to temper their expectations and be prepared for a chilling experience that fails to truly deliver.
