We head to Sweden to solve a 40 year old case of Harriet Vanger as we talk about this 2011 mystery thriller. Based on a classic book trilogy, Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, and Stellan Skarsgard carry this story in a twisted family that evolves and keeps you guessing. David Fincher continues his fascination with killers and brings his signature style and attention to detail to this dark subject matter. We get into the characters being used for emotion vs plot, the unapologetic approach to the visceral scenes, the aspects that could've gotten a little more attention, and much more! Tap in for a fun episode on a great movie that isn't such a fun watch.

00:00 Welcome Back to the Film Room

02:31 First Watch Thoughts on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

08:29 Family Meeting: Where Does This Rank in Fincher’s Catalog?

14:34 This Mystery Is Messy, Creepy, and Hard to Shake

20:24 Why Fincher Was Built for Movies Like This

27:01 The Basement Reveal and the Martin Switch-Up

29:53 Lisbeth vs. Michael: Who’s Really Carrying the Movie?

38:02 Their Relationship Was Weird… and That Ending Hurt

44:21 Fincher, Technology, and the Details That Make This Movie Hit

52:26 The Violence, Silence, and Dark Choices That Stick With You

01:10:04 The Filmmies Begin

Episode ID: 1000755947152

GUID: f248aa74-1f1b-4210-b626-b3c4c64beb2a

Release Date: 18/03/2026, 16:30:00