The Postcard Killings (2020) Poster

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6/10
Suspense n tension is missing.
Fella_shibby14 March 2020
An American couple is murdered in Europe. The girl's father, a police investigator travels to Europe to hunt down the murderer. Other young couples in France, Germany, Denmark and Sweden have since then been killed.... Sounds like a good serial killer film but....

Started off well. Similar to A Perfect Getaway. Midway the twist became predictable n the film came close to Crimson Peak. Then came the lousy unrealistic ending.
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7/10
Lots of filler, but little substance.
Top_Dawg_Critic14 March 2020
This film wasn't that bad, but with very little rework, could've been much better.

The main issue was the amateur screenplay put together by the novel's author, Liza Marklund, and newb writer Andrew Stern. Had a seasoned screenwriter proofread and edited the script, this film would've been impressive.

The 104 min runtime dragged on with terribly slow pacing. This film should've had the pacing sped up and/or the writing cut down to about 85-90 mins max.

Directing by Danis Tanovic was adequate, except for the annoying fade-ins to out-of-focus dizzying shots. The cinematography was decent however, and the score quite fitting. Casting and performances were on point, particularly from Morgan.

This film isn't much of a who-done-it, as we find out underwhelmingly half way through, but more of an international chase, of which also ended as underwhelming, with a silly final scene.

Still, not as bad as the critics say it is. I still enjoyed it, and it's a generous 7/10 from me.
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5/10
bland murder procedural
SnoopyStyle9 March 2022
New York police detective Jacob Kanon (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and his wife Valerie (Famke Janssen) arrive in Europe to retrieve their daughter's body after she was murdered by a serial killer. The killer poses the bodies to mimic great works of art. Jacob stays behind to track down the killer himself. Dessie Lombard (Cush Jumbo) is a reporter who starts writing about Jacob and the killer. Meanwhile, hulking Pieter Holl introduces himself to an American couple (Naomi Battrick, Ruairi O'Connor) traveling on an European train.

This is a rather bland murder procedural. It feels like a weak British TV killer procedural. There is a functional twist but there is nothing else after that. The tension is never raised and this just falls flat.
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6/10
Totally watchworthy
westelius14 May 2022
A quite good and cool movie, but.... Famke Jansen .... Whats had she Done with her face ???? She was so beautiful but now ... she is unrecognizable !!!

It is however fun to see my hometown Stockholm in the movie !
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7/10
Why this low rating???
horrorules25 September 2020
Ok this movie is not a masterpiece, from Patterson's novel is not a great movie like kiss the girl , but however postcard killing is a very good thriller with an AMAZING Jeffrey Dean Morgan and with some very cool twist. My rating is 7/10
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4/10
Horrible waste of money
nautica7718 March 2020
This was an intense serial killer film and it died on entry and then kept dying. Bad acting from start to finish. Constantly you can tell they cut scenes. It was so choppy. Then they have loud emotional crying from both main characters, but they never developed the characters enough to believe or care they are hurt. Horrible acting horrible script.

This was such a great idea for a movie, but they killed it.
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6/10
When the main problem is knowing too much too soon...
filipemanuelneto31 January 2023
Serial killers will always be fodder for movies, good and bad. It's not worth quoting examples, anyone reading this has probably seen at least ten movies about serial killers. This is one more, based on original Scandinavian material that I've never seen, but I'd like to see it, and I'll try to find it. Honestly, I hope it's better than the movie I just saw...

The film is not bad. Don't get me wrong. It has a good base premise: murders that imitate famous works of art all over Europe, with the father of one of the victims desperately trying to catch the culprit. But it's not at all original, it does the same things that we're tired of seeing in established films, and it doesn't manage to go beyond the usual recipe to offer us something that makes it stand out. And there is a huge problem that partially ruins the film: we discover the identity of those who are killing people too soon and, from there, it is only worth watching the film to see how the police will hunt down their target.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan is a very solid and competent protagonist, able to commit himself and give the character the consistency and anguish that it demands. Undoubtedly, the actor's performance is a bonus in the film. Despite being heavily criticized, I think Famke Janssen wasn't that bad. She does have depressing moments and sometimes goes overboard, but she gives us a relatively satisfying job, and doesn't have many opportunities to really fail. Joachim Krol seems to be out of place and lost. Naomi Battrick is quite good, taking into account that she is not a frontline actress and has handled a character who demands a certain charisma and attitude; Ruairi O'Connor, honestly, cannot say he is happy, he erases himself even in scenes where he is more visible.

Technically, it's a regular film without great merits, but it doesn't fail too much either: the European settings and landscapes, always pleasant no matter how commonplace they may be, are joined by standard cinematography and ordinary work on the costumes. Some well-crafted effects and a lukewarm soundtrack make for a cohesive and functional, if forgettable, whole.
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4/10
So many scenes that you dont know how they connect
Ernestoxx17 April 2020
A lot of jump scenes with no connections. Had a good story but ruined it by just skipping scenes with no explanation on how they got in that siyuation
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6/10
I liked it.
kirbie21825 April 2020
For the amount of hate in these reviews, I just wanted to say it I thought it was interesting, entertaining & kept my interest. I agree not these actors best work, or a great film, but damn it's an okay thriller. It is what it is. Just let it do it's thing.
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5/10
Clearly the directors and story writers did not read the book this movie was supposed to be based upon.
mheuerma3 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
A HUGE letdown. Almost laughably. I'd just finished James Patterson's "The Postcard Killers" a couple days ago before I found this movie and decided to give it a try. All the names are the same, such as Jacob Kanon the 'main character' and Sylvia and Mac Rudolph 'the psychopathic art studying postcard killers', but that's about where the similarities end. I wish it were mandatory that in order for you to make a movie of a book, ALL of those involved in the casting, producing, and directing must ACTUALLY read the book. Because if you follow the script in the book, it'd be impossible to screw this movie up, because of how phenomenal the book is. With that said, all of those charged with making this movie completely SCREWED the whole thing up. Dropped the ball in every way possible. Had anyone cared to ACTUALLY READ THE BOOK, and not just taken a worthless and empty summary of it to base the movie off of, I wouldn't be writing this. So so so sad. Wish I could fire the producers but I can't so I'm leaving this note instead.
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9/10
Not sure why so many people are saying bad things about this movie??
dagallop12 July 2020
This is a well acted and well directed movie. The story, while deviating from the book, is still excellent and the locations/scenes are perfect.

I'm not a fan of crime drama movies but this is one that I decided to watch and I'm glad I did, I'm only sorry that my expectations were set low because I stupidly read the reviews (here on imdb) before watching it.

It is well acted and I have to say that Jeffrey Dean Morgan excelled as far I can see. The support acting was equally as good and Joachim Król was superb as the German detective (could have been Inspector Frost's German brother!).

Synopsis: well acted, good story although deviates from the book but that doesn't detract from the overall experience.
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7/10
The Postcard Killings
tpsimpleman26 January 2024
"The Postcard Killings" is a gripping and intense thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Based on the best-selling novel by James Patterson and Liza Marklund, the movie follows a detective named Jacob Kanon as he investigates a series of brutal murders across Europe. The film does an excellent job of capturing the suspense and tension of the source material, and the performances by the cast, including Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Famke Janssen, are top-notch.

One of the standout aspects of "The Postcard Killings" is its atmospheric cinematography. The movie takes viewers on a journey through various European cities, showcasing their beauty while also emphasizing the darkness that lurks beneath the surface. The cinematography adds to the overall sense of unease and mystery, making every scene visually captivating.

The storyline is well-paced and keeps the audience guessing throughout. As Kanon delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a series of disturbing clues and connections that lead him closer to the truth. The movie does a great job of balancing the procedural aspects of the investigation with the emotional toll it takes on the characters involved.

While "The Postcard Killings" is a thrilling and engaging film, it does contain some graphic and violent scenes. This may not be suitable for all viewers, particularly those who are sensitive to violence. However, for fans of crime thrillers and suspenseful storytelling, this movie is a must-watch.

Overall, "The Postcard Killings" is a well-crafted and compelling thriller that will keep you hooked until the very end. With its gripping storyline, strong performances, and stunning cinematography, it is a movie that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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5/10
Not quite a movie. More like an unaired pilot for CSI:Europe
Otkon21 March 2020
Just so much of it didn't gel. Morgan's acting for one. There are some unbelievably hammy scenes. Did he not learn to summon an authentic sense memory to trigger a convincing cry?

As a whole, the movie also could have been more cinematic. The scale seems small for being set in half-a-dozen countries. And that doesn't so the adaptation justice.

A lot of this comes across as a decent episode of a procedural show. That is the overall feel. The execution could have been so much better since the source material and story appear to have some interesting elements.
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7/10
Postcards from the edge
nogodnomasters26 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Kimberly nee Konan is murdered on her honeymoon in London. Her father Jacob (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) is a 30-year detective in the US. He is initially locked out of any investigation details. As it turns out, she was a victim of a series of murders connected with a postcard and saying. Using these clues, Jacob attempts to find the killer.

The film gives you a head fake about the killer and then a small twist at the end. The production slowly gives you a hook, but once caught, you are there for good.

Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity outside of art and photo
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7/10
Not sure why the bad reviews....
Little-gringo24 June 2022
This is not bad film.... Quite a good thriller for the most part and easily watchable. Jeffrey Dean Morgan is top quality and gives a solid performance.
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2/10
Horrible
murrayswdd17 March 2020
Like a bad episode of CSI. Premise is terrible. Story is all over the place. Completely disjointed. Typical James Patterson. This movie isn't even cheesy fun enough to watch while stuck inside during a pandemic. Trust me...skip it.
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7/10
So disappointing
ksaiken-6214320 September 2020
Considering the actors you would think this would at least have been half decent...but no. Seriously one of the worst movies I have seen (and considering I am a disabled shut in, I watch a lot). From disjointed plot to impossible scenarios , I wish I had chosen to rewatch Plan 9 from Outer Space!
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5/10
Mundane Killings
nebk13 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The Postcard Killings is a mundane crime thriller in which an American Detective called Jacob Cannon is trying to solve the murders of his newlywed daughter and her husband. Starting in London, the chase takes him to Munich and Stockholm and it turns out that there is a recently married couple murdered at each location by a pair of killers who announce their presence in each city via postcard which has a quote on it and is sent to a journalist a few days prior to the killings. The placement of the bodies also resembles famous works of art but with a gruesome twist.

The movie starts of interestingly enough but it becomes very predictable. The identity of the killers is hardly ever in doubt and the reasoning behind the murders is weak and glossed over in a few short scenes. A lot of the scenes seem rushed and editing appears choppy. The flashback scenes and certain scenes when Jacob is looking at a map of Europe seem very cheap and more suitable to a bad made-for-tv movie. Some of the acting is also not always on par although Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Jacob is decent but he could probably do this kind of role in his sleep. Famke Janssen as his ex-wife is phoning it in and is involved in assisting the investigation from the U.S. and that seems farfetched. There is a moment half way through the film where there is supposed to be this big reveal about who the killers are but its flat and expected and the ending is both unlikely and unrealistic.

Overall The Postcard Killings is somewhat watchable but more easily forgettable than anything else.
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Intricate and twisted
Gordon-1110 April 2020
This film is surprisingly good! The plot is very intricate. It is twisted, but it is engaging, suspenseful and even believable. I really enjoyed watching it.
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7/10
Very engaging, well made crime thriller
jkt200621 July 2020
I am not able to understand what's wrong with people posting weird reviews here. Seems more like they stopped watching 15 minutes into it. The movie is quite well directed and acted. It is very engaging and keeps you sitting tight. I moved just once through the movie. Good direction and script. Definitely worth watching!
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4/10
It's a twisted plot with no zing.
byron-11615 March 2020
Jeffrey Dean Morgan gives a good performance in this film with a twisted tasteless plot with no suspense.
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8/10
Well thought out and shot
wildblueyonder6 July 2020
I really don't get the hate. Or the CSI references but then again I don't watch CSI....

There are a lot of themes in the movie which made it, to me, intellectually interesting. Big World historic themes if you're a love of art. There is enough drama and 'chiaroscuro' to make the film thoughtful, and enough mystery to make it a thriller. Fully recommend.
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6/10
Worth the time to watch
jmpusateri5 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
What I liked best about this film was the twist in the plot. It would have been more entertaining to have the twist latter in the film. There are excellent veteran actors playing well developed characters for a good mix. The one actress who is worth looking for in the future is Naomi Battrick. I think she will be very successful as an actress. The film is entertaining, but the twist came too soon in the film for my taste. I like the way stereo types were used with great effect. Nothing is what we expect.
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2/10
Disappointing
timbingol16 March 2020
I have read the novel and it's very different in a bad way. Why would they change the perfectly written plot to something else? And there are a lot of holes. And acting is bad, camera movements are bad. Disappointed really.
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Great story filmed on location in Europe
psy9999920 May 2020
Many don't seem to be able to put the pieces together, however I suspect the very same people couldn't find the location countries on the map either. The strength of this movie is that it was filmed on location without a lot of special effects, had great coloring, suspense throughout, and a great sense of realism.
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