Cinema Bytes Review | Child 44

There’s a lot wrong with “Child 44,” but the lack of regard toward the film’s direction is the most sinful. What is this film trying to be? At times it seems to want to be a serial killer procedural. Other times, it feels like an anti-Soviet film. That, of course, makes it feel horrendously outdated since the Soviet Union doesn't actually exist anymore. Director Daniel Espinosa (“Safe House”) doesn't seem to know the script is weighted down by dead weight. This may be a faithful adaptation of the novel, but I’m sure each and every scene didn't have to be in here like this. The film is way too long as it is. A few simple cuts here and there wouldn't have hurt.