Close to Home: Murder in the Coalfield (2022)

Review Team

4/5

Close to Home: Murder in the Coalfield is a poignant examination of personal and communal trauma set against the backdrop of a chilling murder investigation. Directed by Till Franzen, the film successfully melds a suspenseful narrative with deep emotional undercurrents. Detective Maik Briegand, port ... Show more >> Close to Home: Murder in the Coalfield is a poignant examination of personal and communal trauma set against the backdrop of a chilling murder investigation. Directed by Till Franzen, the film successfully melds a suspenseful narrative with deep emotional undercurrents. Detective Maik Briegand, portrayed with depth and nuance, is not just solving a case; he is reconciling his tumultuous past. The cinematography captures the haunting beauty of the coalfields, enhancing the film's atmosphere. While some pacing issues arise, particularly in the middle act, the strong performances and gripping conclusion make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre. Show less

Editor Team

3/5

Close to Home: Murder in the Coalfield tries hard to be a gripping thriller but often feels like it’s trudging through mud. The premise is intriguing—who doesn’t love a good murder mystery set in a small town? However, the execution leaves something to be desired. The lead, while earnest, sometimes ... Show more >> Close to Home: Murder in the Coalfield tries hard to be a gripping thriller but often feels like it’s trudging through mud. The premise is intriguing—who doesn’t love a good murder mystery set in a small town? However, the execution leaves something to be desired. The lead, while earnest, sometimes struggles to convey the depth of his character’s struggles. The film has its moments, especially in its exploration of grief and guilt, but it often meanders when it should be tightening the suspense. It’s a decent watch, but don’t expect it to blow your socks off. Show less