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Cast: Moritz Bleibtreu, Jasna Fritzi Bauer, Lars Eidinger, Fahri Yardim, Enno Hesse, Christian Kuchenbuch, Urs Jucker, and Barbara Prakopenka
While performing an autopsy, coroner Paul Herzfeld (Moritz Bleibtreu) discovers a note in the skull of a corpse with a phone number which belongs to his all but estranged daughter, whom he soon discovers has gone missing. The sinister clue leads him on the trail of a deranged killer, who has planted similar clues that must be uncovered in order to save the young woman. Enlisting the reluctant help of an artist and an eager intern, Paul unravels a mystery whose threads run deep and that leads him to a solitary island cut off from the mainland by a winter storm.
'Cut Off' is a German crime film that tells the story of coroner Paul Herzfeld as he must rush to find clues to where his daughter is being held by a deranged killer. To make matters worse there is a storm heading their way so he must rely on a local artist and janitor to do the work for him while he attempts to make his way through the storm with help from an over-eager intern.
The film doesn't hide the killer from its audience but it doesn't give the pieces to the over all puzzle a little at a time as it builds suspense and tension. The film is based off the international best-selling novel. I cannot say how well the film follows the book but I can say that this is a solid crime/thriller and pulls you into the story more and more as it moves a long.
I am not familar with German Cinema so I am not sure how popular the cast is but I thought that all gave very solid performances including, Moritz Bleibtreu, Jasna Fritzi Bauer and Lars Eidinger.
The film has a side story that plays out as well but it never interferes with the main plot. In fact I thought added more suspense and some mystery as it neared the end. The film does have some gore but only when it benefits the story and the practical effects used are very well done.
'Cut Off' will be available on digital platforms beginning JULY 3rd. It will be available in German with English subtitles or with an English Dub track. I had a good time watching this one and it kept me wanting more the entire way as the puzzle slowly began to come together. I also thought that the ending was perfect for this intense thriller.
Released by Dark Sky Films / capelight pictures.*** 3/4 Out Of *****