Easy Money

Daniel Espinosa's taut thriller offers a raw glimpse of the less-genteel side of Swedish society. On the run after a daring jailbreak, Latino convict Jorge (Matias Padin Varela) is also being sought by a Serbian mobster named Mrado (Dragomir Mrsic). Coming to Jorge's aid is J.W. (Joel Kinnaman), an economics student and part-time cabbie who uses his good looks (and a wacky lie about being a diplomat's son) to crash Stockholm's high society. J.W. is not exactly being an angel of mercy towards Jorge—he also works for the Arab crime syndicate that employed Jorge. Each of the men has a unique side story designed to display their positive traits: Jorge is trying to take care of his pregnant sister, Mrado wants to be a good father to his 8-year-old daughter, and J.W. falls in love with a genuinely sweet and sincere heiress. Ultimately, all three men will find themselves locked into a situation beyond their respective control. Espinosa's direction is crisp and stylish, while the three leads are excellent in emotionally complex roles. Already generating two sequels, with a U.S. remake in the works, this is highly recommended. (P. Hall)