Safe Return Doubtful

Germany 2005

This is far superior to the regular police versus serial killer drama, it is original and daring, moving into horror territory at times.

The police have eventually captured serial killer Gabriel Engel. A small town policeman, Michael Martens, comes to interrogate him to see if a missing young girl from his village is amongst his victims, and makes far more progress with Engel than any of the experts do.

Martens is troubled himself, life at home with his wife and two children is rocky. The actors playing Martens and Engel look alike, which adds to the viewer thinking they have some similarities.

The film becomes a study into the psyche of these two characters. Engel is the worst sort of killer, truly evil, and yet he fascinates. Martens is engaging because we want him to succeed.

Oftentimes such films are difficult to finish, but the climax here is excellent, and particularly rewarding.

IMDb rating 6.9 / 10 – My rating 8 / 10