Review

To avoid a throwaway line explaining Lincoln Rhymes’ condition, we are thrown into the tragic accident that leaves the forensics expert and detective confined to his bed. As an introduction to the character, it hits the right notes we learn a lot about him in that sequence, he’s frustrated and intellectually sharp, plus it sets the mood of the movie.

Now, a quadriplegic Rhyme is called upon by the NYPD to use his extensive knowledge and skills to assist in an investigation when a murder victim and strange clues are left behind for patrol cop Amelia Donaghy to find. Intrigued by the clues and impressed by Donaghy’s raw instinct Rhymes enlists her to join the investigation as his “eyes and ears” at the crime scenes.

One crime leads to another, they have a serial killer on their hands. The deaths are increasingly gruesome as the clues get more cryptic. The rookie/expert dynamic here is interesting not just because of Rhymes’ condition which forces him to be a guiding voice in Amelia’s ears but also because of how he pushes her past her limits. He has the expertise and she has the potential so as they investigate they both grow into this partnership while diving into the mind of a serial killer.

The Bone Collector is featured throughout the film, he’s not just represented by his victims, he’s seen but not revealed so it adds a lot of tension to the story. He’s clearly a man so it puts a lot of suspicion on any man in and around the investigation who’s acting a bit weird. It keeps you guessing on the identity of the killer. The movie really falters for me with the implied romantic relationship between Amelia and Lincoln, it’s not smooth and would have made more sense in a second movie.

In the end, this is a solid psychological thriller with strong performances and an engaging plot.

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