Cast Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Noomi Rapace.
I’d seen the book on the shelves, but it didn’t appeal, so I was surprised when Hubby selected the DVD from the cheapie section the other day.
I have always thought Gary Oldman a brilliant and under-rated actor, and Tom Hardy is following fast in his footsteps. Both brought realism and depth to their roles here, though this is a film that requires 100% of your attention rather than a background feature while doing something else.
Set in 1950s Russia, Hardy plays Leo, a WW2 hero now working for the MGB.
Cover ups and denials, forced confessions and betrayal, all are intertwined as Leo searches for a child serial killer in a ‘perfect world’ where no such thing can exist.
Leo is demoted following his investigations and one of the secondary story lines is his and Raisa’s (Rapace) marriage which takes a decisive turn when they are exiled.
Hardy convinces Oldman’s senior character that there is indeed a serial killer, and it’s discovered the murders go back several years, thus the title of Child 44.
I don’t know how to classify it, but from a viewing point for holding attention, it ticks all the boxes. The final segment may have been unnecessary to some, but you need to understand Leo’s state of mind regarding orphanages to appreciate his sense of responsibility.
I’d give this a good 8.
