Arne Dahl: Kentucky Killer – Arne Dahl: Unblod (2012)

Directed by: Mani Masserat | 180 minutes | crime | Actors: Malin Arvidsson, Irene Lindh, Claes Ljungmark, Shanti Roney, Magnus Samuelsson, Matias Varela, Niklas Åkerfelt, Jordi Almeida, Sandra Andreis,Sven Angleflod, Filip Berg, Philippe Bernardin, Källa Bie, Mats Blomgren, Gustav Deinoff, Claes Elfsberg Ethel Fisher, Frida Hallgren, George Harris, Carl Kjellgren, Henrik Knutsson, Malena Laszlo, Helena Lewin, Jimmy Lindstrom

In ‘Kentucky Killer’ (after the book “Ont Blod” by the Swedish writer Arne Dahl) the A-team, led by the brave Jenny Hultin (Irene Lindh), goes international. She is informed by old acquaintance Ray Larner (George Harris) of the FBI of the horrific murder of a Swedish literary critic at Newark, New York airport. The killer is christened the ‘Kentucky Killer’. A murderer, whom the FBI has been after since 1975 and who makes his victims bleed out according to a certain gruesome procedure, with two sets of sharp forceps. But wasn’t this suspect, ex-Vietnam veteran Wayne Jennings, killed in a car accident years earlier?

So the A-team, six strong and diversified, assumes that someone has taken the place of the notorious killer ‘on behalf of’. In addition to the search for ‘K’, the amorous developments of the vast majority of the special investigation team pass us by. Even old warrior Viggo Norlander (Claes Ljungmark) has ‘it’ again. Meanwhile, giant Gunnar Nyberg (Magnus Samuelsson) reconnects with his children after years and Paul Hjelm (Shanti Roney) has a lot to do with his teenage son Danne.

All in a day’s work and that is what makes these book adaptations so attractive. You quickly identify with the sympathetic protagonists, who all have their own idiosyncrasies. They are not perfect and that is so nice to look at. Also in ‘Kentucky Killer’ the viewer is repeatedly misled. Because what have a computer trading company, a human rights organization, diplomats, terrorist threat and an escaped convict have to do with the case?

Little by little the mystery is unraveled. Despite the slow pace, there is enough suspense to enjoy. However, to fully understand the storyline it is recommended that you watch part 1 in this series, ‘Misterioso’, first. Because in it the original operating A-team, not to be confused with the bland series from the eighties, is presented. It is to be hoped that Arne Dahl’s other books will also be made into a film, because then we can expect a lot of great things! Just like ‘Misterioso’: ‘Kentucky Killer’ is 180 minutes (!) of pure viewing pleasure. A Swedish top product. The Husqvarna of crime thrillers. Can not be missed!!