Somewhat messy thriller with regard to plot but what it suffers from logic is buttressed well with suspense and atmosphere and acting. The story concerns two friends who come to a crossroads in life and what life has to offer and what defines living. This part of the story is subtly woven into another story of Martin taking a job at a school morgue that is one creepy place. Add to this mix a series of serial killing going on investigated by Inspector Nick Nolte and you have an intriguing blend that does basically captivate and satisfy. Ewan McGregor plays Martin and is more than adequate as he learns what life is like in this atmospherically eerie morgue is like. The scene where he picks up tips from the night watchman who he is replacing is one of the best in the film as the director pulls no stops in creating mood and character actor Lonny Chapman does a phenomenal job in his small but significant role. Well, the story quickly moves to tying all the film's plot threads together in a less than believable fashion. But director Ole Bornedal has skills making plot take a backseat to suspense. Helping along the way are good, solid performances from the likes of Josh Brolin as his reckless friend James, beautiful if less than wonderful Patricia Arquette as his girlfriend, Brad Dourif playing a snooty doctor(doesn't he thrive in films like these?), and Nick Nolte as Inspector Cray - a more than solid effort from Nolte in a very strong performance. Thomas C Reilly also has a small role as another inspector. All these actors take a backseat though to the creepy settings of this morgue with its empty corridors, red-tinted embalming room, and large body room - not to mention the 1950's look for the filer room and office. The setting pieces are really eye-catching - just like the serial killer himself. I had never heard of the film before as it seems to have flown under the radar. Shame as it is pretty good.
Review of Nightwatch
