Verdict: Gripping classy thriller with good action sequences.
The exhibitor's personal enthusiasm for this title persuaded him to give it a theatrical release even though it's now several years old.
Based on the 2001 novel of the same name by American Harlan Coben, it's a intricate and very engaging French thriller that more than holds its own in that crowded and distinguished genre.
Cluzet plays Alex Beck, a Paris paediatrician who's still coming to terms with the murder, eight years ago, of his wife Margot (Croze) when he receives an email containing evidence she's not dead.
Then a mysterious group of thugs begin menacing Alex's associates, demanding to know where Margot is and the cops are after Alex himself for the murder of one of his friends.
The plot will get very thick before it all becomes clear in a rather old-fashioned and wordy denouement but en route Canet, a matinee idol and a regular feature in the gossip columns in France, displays a sure feel for the material and choreographs some excellent action sequences including a motorway chase on foot.
The cast gives a good account of gripping material. An American remake is in the works, which, in itself, may be a good reason to see the original.
Cast: Francois Cluzet, Marie-Josee Cruze, Marina Hands, Kristin Scott Thomas, Andre Dussollier
Director: Guillaume Canet
Running time: 125 mins
Rating: R16 (violence and offensive language) In French with English subtitles
