Eastern Promises

Director David Cronenberg has become a very economical filmmaker, which produced a well-paced film, "Eastern Promises", but not at the expense of sustaining suspense and chills where appropriate.

In London, even the most respectable of establishments can hide some dark secrets and illegal commerce. It is the birth of child by an unwed teen which provides the catalyst for the film, and propels Anna (Naomi Watts), a midwife, into finding a home for the child (mother dies during delivery), and she finds much more in her search, which leads her to encountering Nikolai the driver (Viggo Mortensen, I think almost shoo-in for best actor Oscar nomination), Seymon the Russian emigrant who seemingly hosts dinner parties at his dining establishment (Armin Mueller-Stahl could also nab a best supporting actor nomination), and Kirill the son of Seymon (Vincent Cassel) whose shortcomings somewhat disappoint his father at times.

To say anymore would undercut the story and drama that unfolds, but be assured that it's well-told and entertaining for an adult audience not too squeamish by some bits of well-timed violent encounters.

I give it 3.5 stars, or a grade of B+.