Switch (Identidade Trocada) Movie Review

Title (Brazil): Identidade Trocada

Director: Frederic Schoendoerffer

Writers: Frederic Schoendoerffer & Jean-Christophe Grange

In Theaters: March 30, 2012 (UK)

Running Time: 104 minutes

Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller

Cast: Karine Vanasse, Eric Cantona, Mehdi Nebbou

Synopsis:

Sophie Malaterre (Karine Vanasse) is a jobless fashion designer from Montreal who is trying to show her work to Claire's (Maxim Roy) boss. Unfortunately, the boss is on vacation. Claire feels sorry for her and treats her to lunch. During their conversation, Claire mentions about the website, switch.com. This gives her the chance to switch house with an unknown person through the site. Sophie gives it a try and learns someone by the name of Benedicte Serteaux who is also interested to switch house with her. They make some arrangements through the site and soon Sophie goes to France. Instead of having a great time in France, she encounters a big trouble that would endanger her life. 

Reaction:

I have seen several European crime thriller films over the years. What I like about European films is that they are presented in detailed ways with interesting twists along the way. A typical European thriller film for me is something about a murder in which the lead actor is framed up or something. This kind of scenario is very common and it is now the task of the main character to prove his/her innocence just like what happened in this film. However, after watching the entire film, I was really disappointed. It does not exceed nor meet up my expectations.

First of all, the script looks great at first but towards the middle of the film, you need to pause and think how come the police do not even know how to do their jobs. Take for example the gathering of evidences and DNA sampling, it could have been done in a short time. There were several  times when the lead character could have been captured  or killed but she kept on getting away from the police.There are just so many loopholes. In addition, the killer's motive is just so lame and ridiculous. When the reason was revealed, I was just dumbfounded and then disappointed. The film is quite promising from the beginning but ends lamely. 

Well, looking at the brighter side, I enjoyed those cat and mouse chase between Sophie and Damien. In addition, the entire film moves at a fast pace and there is never a dull moment. 

All in all, I would rate this film as 4 out of 10.  2 for the good acting of the cast and another 2 for its great picture, showing off the magnificent, Eiffel Tower.


 

Watch out its Official Movie Trailer: