But the movie does do the whole cops don’t always believe the obviously correct detective with special ties to the case. Plus, some sequences are not necessary. Famke Janssen, as Valerie, Jacob’s ex-wife and mother of the deceased daughter, breaks into a house and then visits a prisoner with a personal connection to the suspected murderers. Both scenes, which happen almost one right after the other, do not add much. Or at least, not anything that Jacob could not discover via one of his contacts on the force. That means these scenes just feel like filler.
Tanovic’s direction wisely hits the beats of a drama more often than that of a thriller. This makes the guilt and depression Kanon feels over the death of his daughter all the more relatable. It also lends considerable weight to the killers’ motivations, as everything feels as realistic as possible. That is not to imply The Postcard Killings lacks for thrills. There is a car chase on a desolate, snow-covered road that is exhilarating.
“…wisely hits the beats of a drama more often than that of a thriller.”
Jeffrey Dean Morgan could sit in a chair staring at a wall and still bring pathos and intensity to the role. So, his casting as Jacob Kanon is fantastic. When looking at crime scene photos, he sees his grandma’s wedding ring, which was given to his daughter for her wedding, and breaks down crying. It is an emotionally devastating moment that shows just how much his child meant to him. As the journalist, Cush Jumbo is pretty good as well. Her delicate handling of how to write such a story, while not exploiting any living family members is well handled and engaging.
The Postcard Killings does not reinvent the thriller wheel. But it is expertly directed, and despite some cliches, the screenplay delves into character motivations and finds a genuine emotional resonance. The acting from all, especially Morgan, lends credibility and gravitas to the proceedings. Fans wanting an engaging serial killer movie with a few unexpected twists will find a lot to enjoy here.
"…has enough depth and twists to serve as a rock-solid example of the subgenre."
I would like to see a sequel, This movie was fantastic!!
OMG would I love to see a sequel! This wA a great movie and let ya kind of hanging!
Will there be a sequel ? Loved the movie, and the end scene leaves the audience wanting more !