I am a huge fan of the three Swedish films adapted from Stieg Larsson’s books about a decade ago, and the David Fincher film which followed (a remake of the first film) was pretty darn good, too.  Now a new tale is told, written by David Lagercrantz following the death of Larsson, but still chronicling how computer hacker Lisbeth Salander is coping with a world she can barely tolerate.  Lisbeth (Claire Foy, taking over for Noomi Rapace and Rooney Mara) is still rescuing damsels in distress from abusive partners, but she is stunned to learn that someone very close to her, and believed to be dead, is plotting against her.

Fede Alvarez’s film is similar in style to those of Niels Arden Oplev, Daniel Alfredson and David Fincher, and that is a good thing.  These films, which almost revel in depravity, showcase how addictive evil can be to some people; how power and brutality twist their minds against everyone who opposes them or who can be victimized.  One person stands against such evil: a gothic angel of vengeance wishing to rescue people who suffer like herself.  Only this time, the ghosts which haunt her dreams are quite real flesh and blood, and more dangerous than anyone else she has previously faced.

Taut and visceral, this tale unwinds quickly, yet takes its time for detail and shock value when slowing down is most effective.  Claire Foy isn’t the lithe force of nature that Noomi Rapace was in the role, nor as kinky as Rooney Mara was in Fincher’s version, but she is strong in the role, unapologetic and fierce.  The story is more wide-ranging than I expected, heading into James Bond territory with aplomb, pressuring Lisbeth to save not only her chosen doves but most of the western world.  That may be too much for some viewers, and, looking back, it is a stretch.  But at the time it was plausible, exciting and harrowing.

Hannibal Smith (George Peppard on “The A-Team”) used to say “I love it when a plan comes together!”  That sensibility arrives in spades when this movie reaches its climax.  Teamwork, timing, explosives; everything hits at once when Lisbeth is at her most vulnerable and desperately needs the help.  This is how thrillers thrill and lunatic villains are prevented from ruling over, or destroying, our world.  It’s only a movie, but it’s quite a ride, especially at the end.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  20 December 2018.