The Snowman – In Theaters October 20 – Official Trailer (HD)

The Snowman is a 2017 crime thriller directed by Tomas Alfredson and based on the best-selling novel by Norwegian author Jo Nesbø. The film stars Michael Fassbender as Detective Harry Hole, a troubled Oslo investigator on the hunt for a serial killer who leaves snowmen as eerie calling cards at his crime scenes. Despite a strong cast and high expectations, The Snowman faced critical disappointment, mainly due to its disjointed narrative and pacing issues. However, the film’s chilling atmosphere and stunning winter visuals made it memorable in certain aspects.

Plot Summary

The story follows Harry Hole, a seasoned yet troubled detective, as he investigates the disappearance of a woman whose scarf is found wrapped around a snowman. Soon, he and his new partner, Katrine Bratt (Rebecca Ferguson), realize they are dealing with a twisted serial killer who preys on women and has a disturbing obsession with families and abandonment. As Harry delves deeper, he finds himself entangled in a series of dark secrets and red herrings, all leading to a climactic face-off with the killer.

Cast and Characters

• Michael Fassbender as Harry Hole: Fassbender’s portrayal of the flawed detective adds complexity to the film, as Hole is both brilliant and plagued by personal demons, often struggling with alcoholism and depression.
• Rebecca Ferguson as Katrine Bratt: A determined and resourceful investigator with a mysterious agenda of her own, Bratt brings a driven energy to the investigation.
• Charlotte Gainsbourg as Rakel Fauke: Harry’s ex-girlfriend, whose personal connection to him complicates his life further.
• J.K. Simmons as Arve Støp: A powerful businessman with shady motives, adding another layer of suspense and suspicion.

Visual Style and Setting

One of the film’s standout features is its stunning cinematography, capturing the icy and foreboding landscapes of Norway, which enhance the bleak atmosphere of the story. The eerie beauty of snow-covered mountains and isolated towns adds an almost haunting quality to the film, mirroring the desolate and sinister mood of the investigation.

Criticism and Reception

The Snowman was met with largely negative reviews, with critics citing its confusing storyline and poor pacing. Director Tomas Alfredson later revealed that the film’s production was rushed, leaving portions of the script unfilmed, which contributed to its fragmented plot. Despite high hopes, the movie struggled to capture the depth and complexity of Nesbø’s novel, leaving fans of the book and newcomers alike disappointed.

Legacy

Although The Snowman did not achieve critical or commercial success, it remains a curious entry in the Nordic noir genre, and its haunting atmosphere and winter visuals have retained a small cult following. Fans of the Harry Hole novels may still find it intriguing to see Nesbø’s iconic detective brought to the screen, even if the adaptation failed to do justice to the source material’s suspense and intricacy.