Viewed – 27 October 2007  DVD

Based on the best selling U.S. thriller by Harlan Coben (yes, I never heard of him either), this gripping French film follows the story of a Doctor who’s wife is murdered and he is left for dead.  8 years later, with the mystery of her death still haunting him, the Doctor is sent an elusive email hinting that she may actually still be alive.

Told in classic murder mystery style, where the clues are thrown at you left right and centre, our protagonist goes all ‘The Fugitive’ on us when people start dying, a hit squad seem to be out to stop him finding out the truth, and the Cops are trying to nail him at the same time.  In the end all he can turn to is his own memories and those closest to him to solve the mystery.

What sets this apart from your usual Sunday evening fair, is stylish direction from Guillaume Canet, some powerful choices of music (especially U2’s With or Without You), and some thrilling set-pieces (a heart-stopping on-foot chase springs to mind).  Yet it’s the tragic love story at the heart of the film that hits you hardest, bought to life by a thoroughly convincing performance by Francois Cluzet as the Doctor – that I doubt you’ll come away without feeling somewhat drained.  Highly recommended.

Verdict: 5 /5