Skarpt läge

Having become much of an institution in Sweden, Sjöwall/Wahlöö's characters Martin Beck and Gunvald Larsson has seen a lot in their days on the silver screen since Mannen på Taket came sometime during the stone age. Especially the latest incarnation (for yes, just like James Bond, Martin Beck has been portrayed by several actors, as have Gunvald) have seen many ups and downs.

But entering the third and last season of Beck movies for the duo Haber/Persbrandt with Skarpt Läge has put the bar up high.

This is not a common Swedish movie. The dullness of the "diskbänskrealism" is gone, yet we never leave the frightening proximity of home as the plot evolves around spousal abuse.

Skarpt Läge delivers an experience of utter and sheer horror as well as action rarely seen in this cold country's cinemas. A joy, but it has its price - a look into the terrifying world of the victims suffering from a husband beating them gives repulsion a meaning. Uncomfortable, yet the film is captivating and even fun at times.

If you are to see a contemporary Swedish movie - skip the boring dramas and see this. Had the international audience seen Sweden as a film industry, this would be praised abroad. A shame it isn't, but a terrific film, none the less.