The Silence (2010) - Baran bo Odar

Beginning 23 years in the past, Baran bo Odar's The Silence details the brutal rape and murder of a young girl named Pita by Peer, while his helpless and cowardly friend Timo watches in shock.  Now in the present day, 23 years to the exact date, the 13-year-old Sinikka goes missing, her bike discovered in the exact same spot as Pita's murder.  Pita's murder was never solved, prompting the police to believe the same killer is responsible for Sinikka's disappearance.  Baran bo Odar's The Silence is an extremely well crafted crime thriller exploring guilt, obsession, and darkness.  The film features a huge ensemble cast, with every character being psycholoically explored.  David, the chief detective of the case, is dealing with the recent loss of his wife, which leads to him becoming obsessive over Sinikka's case.  He looks to Pia's mother for some type of guidance when it comes to tragedy, but she herself is being forced to relive her own trauma, as unhealed wounds come back to the surface.  Timov is one of the most powerful aspects of the film, a deeply flawed individual whose guilt has consumed him, forced to relive the faithful day 23 years ago where he stood by and watched a young woman's murder.  This is an intricate exploration of tragedy, capturing the guilt, second-guessing, obsession, and evil that all plays a part.   The Silence is an incredibly well orchestrated ensemble film, providing a penetrating look into the psyche's of a host of characters, each of which is effected differently by these horrifying events. 

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