Nobel's Last Will

In Stockholm, it's icy cold outside, while inside, a people-filled Nobel Banquet's warm air is punctuated by two 'poof' sounds that come from a silencer of a stealth assassin.

A crime reporter, Annika Bengtzon, unwittingly becomes part of the news herself after witnessing the murder up close. And that's just the beginning.

'Nobel's Last Will' is a nicely paced thriller from beginning to end.

Although the film was produced by Yellow Bird Productions, the same people behind Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy, 'Last Will' is not as gritty, but very slick. The production look is almost sterile, which must be intentional, since it's largely based around scientists who work in pristine cell research labs. Even the offices of the tabloid Kvällspressen, where reporter Bengtzon works, is squeaky clean.

Still, this is a Swedish film that has a lot going for it. Based on the best selling novel by Swedish author, Lisa Marklunds, it's well cast. The assassin is as icy as the frozen Lake Mälaren in Stockholm. And, especially Malin Crépin, playing the lead character, is a warm, determined, and smart woman as we follow her both at work, and at home with her family.

It's refreshing to watch a crime-thriller with a distinctly Swedish touch, not only visually, but also with the right amount of suspense and humanity.