Three

This is a pretty good example of a serial killer thriller obviously inspired by Korean cinema, but it distinguishes itself by unusual direction and a specific sense of place.

The film is about a real life cannibalistic serial killer who operated in Kazakhstan between 1979 and 1990. The protagonist is Sher Sadikhov, a newbie policeman who gets into hot water immediately after joining the force, having to search for a savage murderer with his more seasoned colleagues. He soon proves he has good instincts for the job, but this case will hit closer to home than he expects...

The narrative is told in a way familiar to anyone who enjoys police procedurals, but there are instances of quirky humor that give it a slightly different feel. Sometimes it resembles Korean thrillers like Memories of Murder, other times it veers closer to social dramas prevalent in Eastern Europe. It works, though, and the compelling story will probably stick with you after watching.

Showcasing director Ruslan Pak's capabilites as a director with a certain sense of style, Three deserves to be seen by a wider audience than it will probably reach. It is well acted, beautifully shot and more intriguing than you'd expect. It is definitely more interesting than the usual streaming fare.