That said, it’s not designed to be a pant-wetting, nail-biting thriller. This is more of a character study, where the focus lies not on the plot or its sense of inevitability, but in seeing how the actors reach their final destination. And it’s an engrossing journey.
The screening was briefly introduced by one of its stars, Brian Cox. He described it as “An Icelandic interpretation of a downtown New York bar… so it’s a little eccentric to say the least! But I think it’s really a very interesting movie.”
This is a fair assessment. What Cox neglected to say is that a huge part of what make it interesting is the fact he plays a blinder. He is by turns bitter, angry, inappropriate, paternal and hilarious. Supporting actor Paul Dano is brilliant too, with his awkward mannerisms and total warmth tinged with underlying sadness. But the slightly unhinged, coffee loving curmudgeon who brings his Alsatian to hospital with him is the one to watch.
