The story itself is excellent, being by Val McDermid, one of my favourite crime authors. The movie adaptation is the pilot for the series, Wire In the Blood, featuring psychologist Tony Hill and Detective Carol Jorden.
It's an English film, and true to most English crime films, is fast, full of suspense without opting for the overkill of the US. The relationship between Tony and Carol is understated. Robson Green allows Tony's eccentricity to be established without needing the obviousness of twitches or mental problems. He's played as unusual, possibly somewhat neurotic, but certainly doesn't seem to need medication. Hermione Norris is thinner than I would have imagined a Detective Inspector to be, but still came across as knowing, phlegmatic, yet with intelligence and wry humour.
My biggest issue is with the character of the villain, and that is more an issue with the writer than the actors. I won't give it away, but after you have seen it you will know what I mean.
It's an English film, and true to most English crime films, is fast, full of suspense without opting for the overkill of the US. The relationship between Tony and Carol is understated. Robson Green allows Tony's eccentricity to be established without needing the obviousness of twitches or mental problems. He's played as unusual, possibly somewhat neurotic, but certainly doesn't seem to need medication. Hermione Norris is thinner than I would have imagined a Detective Inspector to be, but still came across as knowing, phlegmatic, yet with intelligence and wry humour.
My biggest issue is with the character of the villain, and that is more an issue with the writer than the actors. I won't give it away, but after you have seen it you will know what I mean.