Falling between the stools of thriller and drama, this speculative tale grows steadily less satisfying, despite a handsome look and a strong cast headed by Gerard Butler and Peter Mullan.
A sparse script from Joe Bone and Celyn Jones helps bring the century's old tale to life, with the cast central keeping us guessing exactly where it'll take us.
Although the script doesn't make much use out of intriguing dialogue or deeply rooted motivations, all three actors provide thoughtful, tense, and competently dramatic performances.
While Jorgen Johansson's windswept photography creates a credible sense of isolation (he filmed in part at the Mull of Galloway lighthouse), we sense the ominous rhythms of impending calamity.
The Vanishing doesn't reinvent the wheel but for a satisfying thriller that sets itself such specific limitations and remains creative within those barriers, it makes for a fun Friday night watch.
