Most American crime/detective stories try to build suspense with effects, plot twists & music. This one relies entirely on the development of the characters & the mood of the events' settings. The result is a tale much creepier than anything Hollywood (including Cronenberg & David Lynch) could muster. This one isn't for the faint-hearted, not because of any gore or violence in the film, but rather because of its dark portrayal of human behavior.