Film Review: DARK CRIMES (2016)

DARK CRIMES *** U.K./Poland/U.S.A. 2016 Dir: Alexandros Avranas 92 mins

Jim Carrey expands his acting career into more serious roles with this 2016 crime drama thriller. Carrey plays Tadek, a by the book Polish detective surrounded by a corrupt police force. When a businessman dies of mysterious circumstances at a local sex dungeon, Tadek is on the case to solve the murder.
Upon his investigation he points the finger at an author whos recent book has details that are far too close to the real case then possibly being a coincidence. As the movie progresses we see Carrey's brooding character step in to territory that is uncomfortable for his character, but if he is to solve this murder he will do whatever it takes. DARK CRIMES is based on the 2008 article True Crimes – A postmodern murder mystery by David Grann. Carrey plays his character well and even has a slavic accent, though it does slip from time to time. The film does contain nudity which is unsurprising considering the film involves an investigation of a sex dungeon. Shot with a monochrome look to it, the film feels dark, gritty and sometimes dirty. DARK CRIMES is a film that gives Jim Carrey a reason to stretch his acting ability though the film is at times slow. Thriller fans will find nothing new to watch here, but if you want to see a compelling cast work their way through a dark film then this is for you.

Review by Peter 'Witchfinder' Hopkins