Small Town Killers

Small Town Killers is a Danish black comedy film from 2017, directed by Ole Bornedal. The film features an exceptional cast, starring top Danish actors Nicolas Bro and Ulrich Thomsen in lead roles, with Mia Lyhne adding considerable depth to the storyline.

The plot of Small Town Killers revolves primarily around two ordinary craftsmen named Ib (played by Nicolas Bro) and Edward (portrayed by Ulrich Thomsen). The pair are hard-working yet underappreciated in their professions as builders and ignored by their discontented wives. Faced with long-standing marital issues and a yearning for freedom from their mundane lives, they decide on taking an extraordinarily dire step – hiring a hired assassin to kill their wives.

Adding to the plot's hilarity, their choice of hitman takes the form of a character named Igor, an attribute of Russian criminality freshly out of prison. This eccentric contract killer, portrayed impressively by the prolific Marc Zwinzscher, promises the two main characters an easy escape from their marital problems. However, predictably, the matters begin spiraling out of control, leading the protagonists into a series of unforeseen situations.

Meanwhile, Mia Lyhne, in her role as Ib's wife Ingrid, delivers a performance underpinned by defiant spirit and determination, complicating Ib and Edward’s plan in the process. The added presence of an ethics-struggling local investigator further augments the absurdity of the unfolding events.

Small Town Killers boasts of a balanced combination of dark humor and thriller elements. The film captures the essence of everyday life in a small town setting while juxtaposing it with increasingly intricate plot developments. Each twist and turn, while carefully maintaining the comedic mood, serves to pull the viewer further into the uncanny reality of the small town's society. It brilliantly betrays the idyllic perception of small-town life, illustrating the evolving societal dynamics beneath the surface.

It is worth noting the skillful direction of Ole Bornedal, known for deftly marrying comedy elements with darker undertones. Small Town Killers signposts his expertise in such genre hybrids. The individual character developments are well-rounded and artfully developed, resulting in their real-world charm and appeal. Bornedal's trademark humor style reflects in the array of colorful characters that add a mixture of thrill and joy to the film's narrative.

The film’s cinematography is another area where Small Town Killers excels. From quaint houses to the placid countryside, each frame emphasizes a measured portrayal of a slow-paced Danish town. The detailed set design and carefully chosen camera angles work together to bring alive the uneventful blandness of the town, which serves as a striking contrast to the chaotic plot.

Yet, it isn’t just the scenery that strikes a chord. The film is rich in its soundtrack, which varies from soul-stirring melodies to heart-thumping tracks, aptly integrating itself with the film's changing pace. The musical interludes not only heighten the comic and satirical elements of the film but also enhance the emotional complexity during key plot transitions.

The brilliant performances, remarkable directorial style, and a plot that intensifies with every scene make Small Town Killers a captivating cinematic experience. It’s a stark critique of mid-life crisis told through black comedy lenses, challenging our ordinary perceptions of reality. The film holds one firmly in its grip with its stunning combination of humor and suspense, giving the viewer a refined taste of Danish cinema. However, underneath its comedic surface, it also subtly sheds light on the kinds of sturdy barriers the individual must overcome to achieve his true freedom.

Overall, Small Town Killers offers a delightful mix of humor, thrill, and deep-dive into small European town society making it a must-watch movie for those seeking a break from mainstream cinema while not veering too far away from the charm of traditional storytelling. Its ending is sure to leave viewers contemplating long after the credits roll, testament to the film’s successful stimulus of thought and entertainment.