The Snowman Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A drunk cop chases a snowman-building serial killer in Norway, but everyone’s too cold to care.

🍿 The Snowman: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Investigation Begins

Detective Harry Hole, haunted by personal demons and struggling with alcoholism, investigates the disappearance of Birte Becker, a woman whose pink scarf is found wrapped around a snowman in her yard. He teams up with Katrine Bratt, a sharp new recruit from Bergen, who is investigating a related case. They quickly realize that they are dealing with a serial killer.

Connecting the Dots

Harry and Katrine uncover a pattern linking the current disappearance to a series of cold cases involving women who were mothers with troubled relationships. The killer leaves snowmen as a calling card at each crime scene, taunting the police. They delve into old investigations, connecting the current murders to past events in Bergen.

Unraveling the Truth

As the investigation deepens, Harry and Katrine navigate a web of deceit, corruption, and long-held secrets. Katrine’s personal connection to Arve Støp, a powerful businessman, complicates matters. Harry begins to suspect that the killer’s motives are deeply rooted in the past and related to problematic parenting.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Harry Hole (Michael Fassbender): A troubled and alcoholic Oslo detective investigating a series of murders marked by snowmen.
• Katrine Bratt (Rebecca Ferguson): A brilliant and ambitious recruit who partners with Harry while harboring her own secrets and motives.
• Rakel (Charlotte Gainsbourg): Harry Hole’s former girlfriend and mother of Oleg, with whom Harry maintains a complex relationship.
• Arve Støp (J.K. Simmons): A high-profile businessman leading Oslo’s World Cup bid, who becomes a person of interest in the investigation.
• Mathias (Jonas Karlsson): Rakel’s new partner, a plastic surgeon who attempts to be a father figure for Oleg.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Harry Hole: “I need a case to work on.” – Harry expresses his need for a case, highlighting his reliance on his job amidst personal struggles.
• Gunnar Hagen: “I apologize for Oslo’s low murder rate.” – Said by Gunnar in response to Harry’s need for a case, showcasing the lack of criminal activity in the area.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $35,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $6,700,035
• Worldwide Gross: $43,084,060

💥 The Snowman Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘The Snowman’ wasn’t great. I went in expecting a gripping Nordic thriller, but it felt more like a confusing slideshow of pretty landscapes. Fassbender looked like he was as lost as I was, and the ending? Don’t even get me started! I’m not sure what the biggest mystery was: the killer’s identity, or how this movie got made in the first place. If you are going to watch this, lower your expectations.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Nordic noir thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in crime procedurals set in snowy environments”
  • “Those familiar with Michael Fassbender’s work”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Disturbing images”
  • “Alcohol abuse”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A frigid thriller that fails to generate any heat, ‘The Snowman’ suffers from a muddled plot and uninspired performances. Fassbender seems lost in the snowdrift, and the film never finds its footing. The stunning Norwegian landscapes are the only saving grace.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Despite a promising premise and a talented cast, ‘The Snowman’ is a disappointment. The narrative is disjointed, and the suspense never truly builds. It’s a missed opportunity that leaves viewers feeling cold and unsatisfied.
• IGN: “The Snowman’s beautiful scenery can’t save it from being a drab and confused crime thriller. Fassbender’s detective is uninteresting and the mystery is far from intriguing.

Audience Reactions

The Norwegian scenery is absolutely stunning, making it visually appealing despite the weak story.: Most viewers agree that the movie looks great, but the plot is hard to follow.

Michael Fassbender is a talented actor, but he didn’t seem to fit the role of Harry Hole.: Many people felt that the casting choices were off, particularly Fassbender’s portrayal of the detective.

Overall Consensus: While visually appealing, ‘The Snowman’ suffers from a confusing plot, weak character development, and a disappointing ending, making it a forgettable crime thriller.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Tomas Alfredson has stated that a significant portion of the script was never filmed due to time constraints, leading to plot incoherence.”
• “Executive producer Martin Scorsese was at one point considered to direct the film himself.”
• “The film was shot on location in Norway, utilizing the country’s stunning winter landscapes to create a bleak and atmospheric setting.”
• “Multiple user reviews noted the dubbing of Val Kilmer’s voice as being a distraction.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Snowman?

The Snowman is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability as options may vary by region. You can often find it available for purchase on physical media like Blu-ray and DVD from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Snowman, you might like these similar films:

• Seven (1995): Both films feature detectives hunting a serial killer with a distinctive calling card and a dark, atmospheric tone.
• Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011): Directed by Tomas Alfredson, it showcases his talent for slow-burn suspense and atmospheric storytelling, despite the difference in genre.
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011): Features a dark, Scandinavian setting and a complex crime investigation, appealing to fans of Nordic noir.
• Wind River (2017): Both films are crime thrillers set in cold, isolated environments, focusing on the investigation of a murder and the harsh realities of the setting.

🛒 The Snowman Related Products

• The Snowman (Harry Hole Series, 7): Experience the gripping thriller that inspired the movie. Jo Nesbo’s ‘The Snowman’ delivers suspense, intrigue, and a chilling mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
• Nordic Noir: 14 Unforgettable Crime Dramas from Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland: Explore other gripping crime dramas from Nordic countries. This collection offers a range of suspenseful stories and atmospheric settings.
• Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective – The Thames Murders & Other Cases – Cooperative Mystery Game: Engage in immersive detective work at home. This game allows you to solve complex cases using clues, deduction, and teamwork.
• Detective Kit Spy Gear: High-quality detective kits that contain all the necessary tools to solve the biggest mysteries.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Snowman features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Stop Stop Stop” – performed by Tomas Alfredson
• “The Snowman – Main Theme” – performed by Marco Beltrami
• “Missing Persons” – performed by Marco Beltrami

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

A Horror Movie Guaranteed To Ruin Any Holiday

Ever wondered what makes a movie *so bad* it’s almost good? This video breaks down ‘The Snowman’ and honestly, it’s a hilarious roast of what went wrong. You have to check it out!

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