Kraków 1955 and people are vanishing. A young detective Karski (Tomasz Schuchardt) is recruited to investigate the disappearance of men and women in and around the surrounding areas.
If his suspicions are correct Kraków has a serial killer on their hands, but when he proposes this notion to his superiors, they scoff regarding his idea as preposterous.
Karsk has another problem, he has his man, all instincts point to a wealthy socialite Władysław Mazurkiewicz (Andrzej Chyra).
Known amongst his friends as ‘The Judge’, Mazurkiewicz is a true definition of a psychopath. He is handsome, charming, charismatic and able to mask his true nature.
Steadfast, Karsk’s quest will lead him down a treacherous path as alarmingly, Mazurkiewicz is protected, but by who?
As the investigation deepens Karski discovers there are less and less people he can trust. He bravely and tenaciously stands up against the establishment, as he discovers someone within his circles, an official is protecting Mazurkiewicz.
Corruption is rife, and Karski will find himself arrested and incarcerated for a murder he didn’t commit, and labelled a traitor.
As the story uncoils it will reveal a complex tale, with complex characters.
I knew nothing of this Polish serial killer Władysław Mazurkiewicz before watching The Lullaby Killer, so found it a fascinating watch.
I am fond of a foreign language film or two, and this I felt was a satisfying watch.
The film is beautifully shot, and has a high production value. The lighting works to create a bleak post war Poland.
Story wise the script is tight, they successfully packed a lot of information about the characters, culture, society and the investigation for a 93 minute film.
If you enjoy a crime drama, then The Lullaby Killer will not send you to sleep.
