Do not let glimpses of the past stop you from going forward. These words could easily pertain to one’s self improvement. I know my past flashes momentarily in my mind before I undertake a new challenge. For the main character in this thrilling movie, her past was something she did not want to ever revisit. At first I was thrown off by the quick cut away scenes that flashed on my television screen. Be prepared for the majority of them were disturbing. As the movie continued, I soon realized the quick scenes were jigsaw puzzle pieces to the unfolding story. Ksenia Rappoport (The Double Hour, Two Days) played Irena, a Ukrainian woman who was trying to escape the life she led. Settling into an Italian town she found employment as a cleaning woman for an apartment building. It was soon after Irena started working her way into helping resident Valeria Adacher with her daughter Tea. Claudia Gerini (Don’t Move, Ex) played Claudia, a jeweler who worked out of her home office. This is all I can tell you; I have already given you enough jigsaw pieces to this riveting tale. Ksenia did an excellent job with her role; at times, I did not know whether to be sympathetic or distrustful towards her character. I was repulsed by the character Moffa, played by Michele Placido (The Caiman, The Ages of Love). There were times I felt the story was predictable and manipulative; however, the suspense and mystery were precisely done that I was not concerned. It has been a while since I have seen a good mystery movie that kept me on my toes, as I tried to put together the puzzle pieces of Irena’s life. Scenes with violence and blood. Italian, Russian with English subtitles.

3 1/4 stars — DVD