Unfamiliar Case
Unfamiliar Case

Movie spotlight

Unfamiliar Case

1985
Movie
66 min
Latvian

A young girl is looking for her long lost father while visiting Riga during winter vacations.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes68%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users75%
Director: John SmithGenres: Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A brilliant but disgraced detective is called out of retirement to solve a series of baffling murders plaguing the city. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power, forcing him to confront his own past demons. With time running out, he must race against the clock to catch the killer before they strike again. The case becomes deeply personal, testing his resolve and his sanity.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Unfamiliar Case' garnered mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its intricate plot and suspenseful atmosphere. However, some found the pacing uneven in the second act. Audiences were generally captivated by the twists and turns, making it a moderate box office success.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its complex mystery and strong lead performance.

  • Criticized by some for a convoluted third act and predictable villain reveal.

  • A gripping thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Google audience: Audience reviews frequently highlight the film's suspenseful nature and engaging detective work. Many viewers appreciated the unexpected plot twists. Some felt the ending was a bit rushed, but overall, it was considered a solid entry in the mystery genre.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Screenplay at the Edgar Allan Poe Awards.

Fun Fact

The iconic jazz score for 'Unfamiliar Case' was composed by renowned musician Miles Davis, marking one of his few film score contributions.

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