I Come with the Rain is one heck of a labyrinthine journey. This psychological thriller, directed by Tran Anh Hung, genuinely sweeps you off your feet and dumps you somewhere you’d never expect. You know that feeling when you’re cozying up on a rainy Sunday, and you think, “Maybe I’ll just watch something light and breezy”? Well, this movie is not that vibe at all.

First off, you’ve got Josh Hartnett playing Kline, an ex-cop haunted by a tragic case he couldn’t crack. His descent into madness is pretty intense. Hartnett’s performance is solid, but there’s something a bit disjointed about the whole thing. Maybe it’s the fragmented narrative or the often confusing timeline jumps. I guess it’s kind of like trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle with pieces from five different boxes.

The gore, oh boy, the gore. Sometimes it feels excessive, almost like spilled lingonsylt on your favorite shirt—it’s there, and you can’t look away. Now, don’t get me wrong, the movie has some striking visual moments. Tran Anh Hung captures the raw, ugly beauty of violence in a way that’s memorable. The score by Gustavo Santaolalla also adds a haunting vibe, giving the scenes an eerie, immersive quality.

But then, we have these moments where the story just drags. I remember thinking, “Alright, can we get to the point?” The pacing issues make it hard to stay fully engaged. It’s a bit like watching a glacier melt—there’s movement, sure, but it’s not always gripping.

I have to say, though, the setting is stunning. Filmed in Hong Kong, the gritty urban landscapes contrast sharply with the more serene rural scenes. It’s as if Stockholm’s edgy Södermalm suddenly collided with the tranquility of the Archipelago.

Maybe the most human element comes from Kline’s relationship with his past and his demons. It’s like when you’re tormented by something from years ago—something that sticks in your mind like the taste of surströmming. Kline’s struggle feels familiar, which adds a layer of relatability.

Back in ’09, I watched this film on a moody October evening, sitting in a tiny cinema in Göteborg. The rain was pouring outside, and honestly, it felt like a perfect match. The movie’s dark, brooding aesthetic mirrored that night so perfectly. That memory is as vivid as any scene from the film.

Check the trailer of I come with the rain