David Cronenberg is a filmmaker renowned for his visceral storytelling and redefinition of the “body horror” subgenre. While his filmography is indeed extensive, Eastern Promises, a neo-noir gangster thriller, is arguably one of his most underrated yet chilling masterpieces. This 2007 film, co-written by Steven Knight, follows the story of Anna Khitrova, a young and determined nurse who stumbles upon the gruesome crime scene of a pregnant teenage prostitute in modern-day London. As Anna delves deeper into the mystery, she seeks the assistance of Semyon, an older Russian man who appears to be a respected businessman, unaware of his true identity as a powerful Russian gangster.
Anna’s only ally in her quest for the truth is Nikolai Luzhin, Semyon’s driver, who is secretly an undercover British Secret Service agent. Played by Viggo Mortensen in a critically acclaimed performance, Nikolai is a complex and intriguing character, torn between his loyalty to Semyon and his duty to expose the truth behind the gangster’s empire. The film’s tense atmosphere and graphic violence are tempered by its emotional depth and moral complexity, making it a thrilling and thought-provoking ride.
Eastern Promises (Image via Getty)
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its deconstruction of masculinity, exploring how toxic men use domination and aggression to hide their insecurities. Mortensen’s performance is critical to this theme, bringing a sense of vulnerability and empathy to the role of Nikolai. The film’s exploration of loyalty, power, and identity is equally compelling, as Cronenberg and Knight skillfully weave together the complex web of characters and motivations.
Eastern Promises is a testament to Cronenberg’s bravery as a filmmaker, tackling the gangster genre with a level of realism and sensuality that is both intoxicating and unsettling. With its intricate plot, memorable characters, and Oscar-worthy performances, the film is a must-see for fans of crime thrillers and Cronenberg’s oeuvre. Despite being one of his most underrated films, Eastern Promises is a slow-burning masterpiece that deserves to be rediscovered and celebrated as a standout in Cronenberg’s body of work.
