Score: 3/5
The new crime thriller “Child 44” may fail to deliver the type of impact viewers traditionally want, but there are elements of the film that elevate it to a more intelligent level than possibly anticipated.
Director Daniel Espinosa’s newest film proves it is occasionally acceptable to value a film for its historical context alone rather than the “taking down the bad guy” climax.
The plot of “Child 44” follows Leo Demidov, a stern and headstrong security officer for Soviet Union leader Joseph Stalin, played by Tom Hardy, on a dangerous investigation of a child murderer in a time when murder was not recognized under Stalin’s rule.
Demidov is demoted along the way, and his wife Raisa, played by Noomi Rapace, is accused of being a traitor and spy. Of course under Stalin’s oppressive hand, being accused is being guilty, and the couple is pitted in a struggle for survival while simultaneously searching for the monstrous child killer.
Though the film is presented as an intriguing mystery, crime thriller, “Child 44” more than anything is a period piece.
The plot and resolution may not deliver as expected but is more than an action filled search for a bad man. In fact, it’s arguably intentional on Espinosa’s part that the climax is not the apprehension of the killer.
“Child 44” is a look into the history of Russia. It is a critique of dictator government, and educates audiences members who are unaware of the trials and tribulations society faced under the Soviet Union.
If looked at in this light, the film becomes much more than another unsatisfying thriller or dark adventure plot.
That being said, Hardy’s performance is impeccable as expected and Rapace didn’t disappoint either.
Hardy is quickly becoming a true master of role emersion in that he truly sells every accent and personality presented on screen. Whether in his role in the biopic “Bronson” or the subtly brilliant “The Drop,” Hardy is grounding himself as a box office draw.
Joel Kinnaman in the part of the antagonist Vasili made a surprisingly tasteful addition to the film’s dynamic by embodying the evil of the Soviet Union in one man’s actions. After the overwhelmingly disappointing “RoboCop,” Kinnaman may have made a step in the right direction.
All in all, viewers will not get what they expect out of “Child 44,” but there are definitely sparks talent in directing and acting throughout.