nzswanny Although the dark tone of this movie may not be to everyone's liking, this film chooses intentionally and wisely to be downbeat and realistic without ever showing off it's own dark realism, therefore creating itself to be a film that will have very divided feedback and that's the main reason why I like it. This Netflix Original movie starts off with a scene that resembles the opening scene of The Godfather, possibly the most analyzed film scene of all time, containing similar cinematography, style and context and at the same time introducing the main character of the film for us viewers. Joe Denton is a kind man with a troubling past of small crimes and he is speaking to another man named Chaplin on the day that he is escaping prison, and this conversation between the main character, Joe Denton, and Chaplin held my interest because of how interesting the dialogue was. With good films like this one, scenes where you feel like you should be bored don't bore you at all and actually hold your interest, and what makes this opening scene so good is that it grasps our attention simply with good dialogue and camera work. Cinematography is a key ingredient for visual storytelling and the director of this film is aware of that, so he uses cinematography that catches the dark, realistic atmosphere of the film and in good taste without ever overusing it, always using it for important moments. Along with the cinematography is the humour which has been given very divided feedback from critics; to sum up the humour in this film, it is very straight-forward and cynical, and although it's not for everyone it's a damn fine treat for fans of black comedy. In fact I thought most of the critics would appreciate the wittiness of the cynical humour in this...the film isn't one of those "good popcorn feel-good" romantic comedies starring Goldie Hawn but the film is a "good popcorn feel-ashamed" black comedy starring Nikolaj Coaster-Waldau and isn't that better?It's a subtle black comedy and you can treat it as such, however you can also treat it as a serious crime drama. It's thought-provoking, interesting, visually great and containing the needed flow of a good film and if that sounds good to you give it a watch. After all, Netflix is providing us with films and we should be supporting their good work so they know what other kind of films to create. If you'd rather watch a sweet sentimental tale about a boy and his lost puppy however, go elsewhere.

Miles Archer Skimming the previous reviews, it appears a lot of folks aren't 'getting' what noir stories are all about. If you love 'Double Indemnity' or 'The Postman Always Rings Twice', then you should enjoy 'Small Crimes'. If you want your stories straightforward with resolutions that leave you feeling that 'all's right with the world' then this isn't your bag, man; or perhaps not 'your cup of tea', mate.As for execution of the film itself, the director's worked very much in the classic noir style, but with a modern interpretation. There is no rambling around with the story, all the dialogue and early scenes set up the increasingly rapid spiral of destruction. That's what 'noir' is all about, so if you don't get that, you've not seen or read the works that make up this genre...or you just don't like noir.I'd liken it, in a way, to 'Memento', which I loved the first time I saw it, and freely admit I didn't understand a lot of it until the end...and which point all I wanted to do was watch it again to see what I know I'd missed the first time. Small Crimes is that sort of movie, you'll want to watch it again and pick up all the subtle cues you missed the first time around. I found the very end to be perfect, and so subtle you might miss the implications. This isn't some green-screen flick to watch when you're brain dead. It's weird, wild, terrifying, the characters are real people you care about...even the 'bad' guys.I said there are spoilers because I don't want to take the chance someone might think there's one in here. Other reviewers have made the story line fairly clear, so there's no need for me to do that yet again.

Tareq Abo Shokur Our Hero here isn't a hero but we still like him. a great performance from Nikloaj to bring a complex yet simplified character. However the movie is tonally inconsistent. just when you think we're going in fast pace and more entertaining way the movie pulls back. which is off putting. some character motivations aren't very clear.This movie is smart, good looking, dark and very original. The story is really good and interesting. I was wondering all the time what's going to happen. and the movie was able to still surprise me. If you like original and different movies you should watch this.

lauraj515 I enjoyed Small Crimes and would recommend it with two caveats. Based on the trailers for the film and even the beginning of the film, I expected there to be more dark humor (of the absurd variety). Like 'how can this guy have SO much bad luck'. It very quickly turns away from this direction. Also, there are a lot of players, and the film takes very little time to help the viewer understand each players roles. That being said, you definitely get the gist well enough, and it certainly keeps you intrigued enough to want to see the whole thing through.