Erik Backstrom (Rolf Lassgard – Wallander) is the best interrogator at the National Murder Commission. It’s been fifteen years since he left the Norrland Police Department but before long his boss orders him back to solve a murder – which brings back some unpleasant memories. Teaming up with family member and local policeman Torsten (Peter Stormare – Fargo) he soon realises everything is not as it seems and questions why he left in the first place.
False Trail continues the increasing trend of quality Nordic crime on film and TV that has given us such brilliance as The Killing, Headhunters and many more recently. It is a slow burner to begin with, especially regarding the films introduction of characters and their roles. As the landscape of the movie changes, we see more and more layers of mystery surrounding the killing that starts to come together. This then ramps up the tension brilliantly.
Peter Stormare gives his usual standard of performance with an aggressive attitude interspersed with his caring nature. Yet it’s Rolf Lassgard who makes this film with his dog-eared, weather-worn interrogator. His tired demeanour is just a front for a man who knows how the killer is really working. Lassgard gives us more of the Wallander style that has made him such a great actor in that show.
False Trail shows much of the Swedish wilderness and unrelenting weather, which plays perfectly into the film. The excellent cinematography of the barren, snow-filled landscapes makes the film feel cold and unforgiving. The perfect way to deliver such a gruesome storyline set in the wilds of the country. Echoes of shotguns through the snowy hills made our bones chill.
False Trail blends many threads into one that constantly kept us guessing until the final scenes, creating an intriguing cat and mouse Nordic crime thriller that shouldn’t be missed.
