R.I.F. (Recherches dans l'Intérêt des Familles)

This french film has a storyline we have seen many times before; wife goes missing. For example Roman Polanskis Frantic with Harrison Ford. This down-to-earth thriller is very well made, and in addition to be a exciting thriller, also contains a investigator plot that is convincing too. This film is simple made, but manages to build up the suspense. The strong casting pulls it off to, especially the tormented husband and father who delivers a strong and compelling performance in his search for his missing wife. The low rating for this film is therefore a mystery for me. Don't take any notice and rent it today. You won't be disappointed.

A police man takes his wife and 10 year old son out on a long deserved holiday into a rural district in France. A wild hog runs out in front of the car, and after a violent hit on the breaks, the car won't start again, and there's no mobile connection. They get hike with a strange guy driving a pickup, scrutinizing the wife. The wife is left on the gas station as the police man and his son gets off to fetch the car with a towing service, and when they arrive back at the gas station, his wife is gone.

This is the start of this fine French thriller, reminding somewhat of the brilliant "Tell no one". This is not of th same quality, but still good and interesting. The unfolding of the mystery is quite realistic in how such a case would unfold. With suspicions, despair, misunderstandings and little things being scrutinized by the police.

This is the first feature directed I see by this author, Franck Mancuso, which is better known for his script writing than directional work. The film is kept in a bleak color, almost Nordic noir alike, with hand held camera. Another take on what happens when "a lady vanishes". It's tense, mysterious and unravels slowly as we feel both the tension and get to know the truth.

A well made thriller, which is very close to what could happen in such a situation. Beliavable in all ways. A recommended watch if you're out for a thriller.