It's a low-blood-pressure version of the kind of thing James M. Cain used to do in his sleep, and its filmmaking accomplishment is as minimalist as its narrative ambition is minimal.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
A pitch-perfect blend of darkness and sweetness, built around a masterful performance by a great actor.
New York Daily News by Elizabeth Weitzman
Hans Petter Moland's dry Scandinavian wit is just amusing enough to keep us interested in this dramedy.
Cold-blooded killers rarely look this pathetic, which testifies to the impressive balance of Skarsgård's amusingly low-key performance.
The New York Times by Jeannette Catsoulis
Patiently directed by Hans Petter Moland, Ulrik's journey back to life slowly draws you in.
Entertainment Weekly by Lisa Schwarzbaum
Skarsgard's utter finesse in the role provides a satisfying warmth.
Village Voice by Nick Pinkerton
The grungy setting and unflattering photography are only camouflage for callow, creeping sentimentality.
Skarsgård brings some redemptive soul to the role of a man who gradually begins to understand the aptness of his favorite Pretenders album: "Learning To Crawl."
The Hollywood Reporter by Ray Bennett
Played for laughs drawn from characters rather than funny lines, the Norwegian film is a charmer with Stellan Skarsgard for once in a role worthy of his attention.
A slim story that becomes schmaltzy at the end.