Headhunters (2011)

The one to put on for friends who think Nordic crime is all gloom. Aksel Hennie plays Roger Brown, a corporate headhunter who funds an expensive life by stealing art, until he goes after a valuable painting owned by a former mercenary played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. Adapted from Jo Nesbø's novel, Morten Tyldum's film shifts from slick caper to a desperate fight for survival, and it keeps finding new humiliations for its hero. It is pitch-black comedy as much as thriller, so expect squirm-inducing moments and a fast pace rather than slow-burning dread. Of everything here, it is the easiest crowd-pleaser.