"Easy Money" (2010)
"Easy Money" (original title "Snabba Cash") is a Swedish crime thriller from 2010 that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Nordic Noir. Directed by Daniel Espinosa, the film is an adaptation of Jens Lapidus' novel of the same name.
The film follows the life of JW, played with exquisite intensity by Joel Kinnaman. JW is a business student who lives a double life within the Stockholm elite. He falls into the dangerous world of organized crime when he becomes entangled in drug dealing as a means to maintain his lavish lifestyle.
What sets "Easy Money" distinctly in the realm of Nordic Noir is its dark and brooding atmosphere. Espinosa presents us with a grim Stockholm, far removed from the glamorous image usually associated with the Swedish capital. The city becomes a character of its own, its icy streets and shadowy corners a reflection of the moral ambiguity of its inhabitants.
In true Nordic Noir fashion, the film examines societal issues, specifically wealth disparity and immigration. JW's pursuit of easy money is emblematic of society's obsession with wealth and status, while the involvement of Serbian criminals highlights the multicultural nature of modern-day Sweden, and the complex issues that come with it.
The characters in "Easy Money" are complex, flawed, and deeply human. There's an intensity to them that drives the narrative forward. JW, for instance, isn't just a criminal; he's a man chasing an unattainable dream, trying to fit into a world that constantly reminds him he doesn't belong.
In essence, "Easy Money" is a gripping tale of ambition, deception, and downfall. It takes the traditional crime narrative, a staple of Nordic Noir, and weaves in elements of social commentary, resulting in a film that's as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.
