After watching adaptations that are gripping and filled with great potential but have some shortcomings, I find myself more curious about the book that inspired the screenplay.
Now, it would be unfair to bash this film entirely—it truly does justice to the crime genre: intriguing, dark characters, a compelling investigation you’re eager to follow, and cinematic settings, cities, and visuals.
However, I must admit there are flaws in how the crime is resolved, which is critical for this genre. Still, given the breathless journey it offers, you don’t mind bumping your knees or elbows along the way.
Daniel Craig, with his charm, charisma, and commanding screen presence, creates a magnetic effect as an actor. You never want him to leave the screen. Whether it’s because he’s a great actor or simply excels at selecting roles that suit him perfectly, I’m not sure. Either way, it’s a masterclass in career management.
As for our female lead, Rooney Mara’s Lisbeth—the tattooed girl who lends her name to the book series—is astonishingly fascinating. Both physically and emotionally, she’s a character whose story you want to dive deeper into. She endures extremely traumatic experiences, which are portrayed exceptionally well. The way Lisbeth confronts and deals with these challenges is absolutely jaw-dropping.
She also shares fantastic chemistry with Craig’s journalist character, Mikael. Their unusual dynamic keeps you hooked on the film, making you overlook the gaps in their pasts, present lives, and even the resolution of the case they’re pursuing.
I wondered if these gaps were just a film issue, but forums suggest similar omissions exist in the book as well. Perhaps those who’ve read the book or series can offer better insight on this. All in all, despite its flaws, this is a film that honors its genre well.