SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne calls Anton Corbijn’s latest “a thrilling and excellently told story that keeps viewers thinking” in his A Talent For Murder review.
“A Talent For Murder is a thrilling and excellently told story that keeps viewers thinking…” – Kevin Bourne
Set in the beautiful and picturesque Canton of Ticino and Zürich in Switzerland, A Talent For Murder tells the story of young New York literary agent Edward Ridgeway (portrayed by Alden Ehrenreich) who is tasked with traveling to Switzerland to get the combative and cerebral The Talented Mr. Ripley author Patricia Highsmith (portrayed by Helen Mirren) to sign her contract and write another installment in the Ripley series. In Ridgeway, a fan of Highsmith and her legendary novel series who seems in over his head, she may have found her unexpected match as the two engage in an intellectual game of cat and mouse.
Adding another layer to the story is Clementine Balfour (portrayed by Olivia Cooke), a beautiful fellow New Yorker who Ridgeway meets on a train in the Swiss alps. After the two forge an instant connection, Balfour, who comes from a well-to-do family, introduces Ridgeway to a whole new world.
Simply put, this is a smart and intelligent film and it all comes down to writing/story, performances, and directing.
A Talent For Murder is a thrilling and excellently told story that keeps viewers thinking as we witness this battle of wits. When you first hear the title of the film, it appears to be a celebration of Highsmith’s aptitude for murder storytelling, but it’s much more. The film is dark while still being smart, while still being entertaining, while still being artistic. It makes viewers question who is the true antagonist with a fair share of twists and turns.
It also has its share of sex and romance. Ehrenreich and Cooke have palpable chemistry and are flat out sexy and passionate on screen. You might need to take a quick cold shower after watching this one.
“The film [A Talent For Murder] is dark while still being smart, while still being entertaining, while still being artistic. ” – Kevin Bourne
Adding to that are nomination worthy performances from Ehrenreich and Mirren. We only expect the best performances from Mirren who absolutely transforms into the prickly and well-seasoned author that you love when you’re really supposed to hate, as she puts the much younger Ridgeway to the test. Her very direct and dark humor lend to some moments of comedy as she toys with her prey. But Ehrenreich, who continues to remind us of a young Jack Nicholson, shows that he’s more than capable of holding his own opposite the Oscar winner. Together, Ehrenreich and Mirren, are witty and entertaining.
This film is a masterclass in great filmmaking and storytelling that we will hopefully hear more about come award season.
Kevin Bourne is SHIFTER’s editor-in-chief and Senior Arts & Entertainment Reporter focusing on film & TV, music, and fashion. He was named one of 340 international voters for the Golden Globe Awards and a Tomatometer-Approved Critic by Rotten Tomatoes.
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