Is The Snowman related to the classic 1982 animated kids' film The Snowman?

No, absolutely not. The 1982 film is a gentle, animated holiday story about a boy and a flying snowman. The 2017 movie is a gruesome R-rated murder mystery about a serial killer. Do not mix them up.

Why is The Snowman rated R?

It is rated R by the MPAA for grisly images, intense violence, sexual themes, brief nudity, and language. Crime scenes involve severed limbs, decapitation, and blood.

Is The Snowman suitable for a 15-year-old who likes murder mysteries?

No. Aside from the graphic gore and disturbing themes, the film is notoriously bad and hard to follow. Better options for older teens include Knives Out or PG-13 crime dramas.

Where can you stream The Snowman (2017)?

It is available to rent or buy on digital storefronts like Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.

The Snowman 2017 – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Snowman 2017

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2017

12%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Michael Fassbender wanders through Norway chasing a serial killer who decapitates women and leaves ominous snowmen behind.

5.2/10

19%

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The Snowman 2017

movie

R, 2017

12%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Michael Fassbender wanders through Norway chasing a serial killer who decapitates women and leaves ominous snowmen behind.

5.2

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5.2/10

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Screenwise Verdict

Based on Jo Nesbø's popular Nordic noir novel, The Snowman turned into one of 2017's most notorious cinematic misfires. Detective Harry Hole (Michael Fassbender) stumbles through Oslo attempting to track a serial killer who leaves taunting notes and snowmen at crime scenes, but the narrative is so disjointed it barely functions as a movie.

Between graphic depictions of severed limbs, dark themes of domestic abuse, and an edit that feels like whole scenes were lost in transit, there is no universe where this belongs on a family movie night. Keep teens far away and skip it yourself.

Age Fit

Strictly for adults 18 and up due to graphic violence, decapitation, and sexual themes. Honestly, even for adults, it's a hard pass unless you enjoy watching high-budget cinematic trainwrecks.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The film centers on a brutal serial killer targeting women, involving decapitations, domestic violence, alcoholism, and grim psychological trauma.

Imaginative

Famously rushed into post-production with 15% of the screenplay left unshot, resulting in a confusing, formulaic disaster rather than an inventive thriller.

Safe

Rated R for severe violence, severed body parts, decapitation, grisly crime scenes, sexual content, and brief nudity.

Enriching

Offers almost no narrative satisfaction, emotional weight, or artistic payoff. It's largely considered an incomprehensible viewing experience.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Snowy Scandinavian landscapes look gorgeous on screen, even if the plot happening in front of them falls completely flat.
An incredible cast on paper featuring Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Ferguson, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and J.K. Simmons.
A case study in chaotic filmmaking for film students interested in how studio rushes and missing footage destroy a story.

⚠

What to Watch For

Graphic violence and mutilation: Includes decapitations, dismemberment via shotguns and wire traps, and grisly crime scenes.
Depictions of trauma and abuse: Heavier plot elements involve non-consensual sexual acts, abortion, and severe domestic abuse.
Incoherent editing: Director Tomas Alfredson admitted they started editing without shooting roughly 10% to 15% of the script, leaving massive plot holes.

Conversation Starters

"What made the tone of this film feel so cold and detached compared to other mystery thrillers?"
"Why do you think a movie with such great actors and a best-selling book source ended up feeling so disjointed?"
"How does setting a murder mystery in extreme winter weather change how the investigation feels?"

Deep Dive

A Nordic Noir That Stumbles in the Snow

On paper, The Snowman had every reason to succeed. It was adapted from Jo Nesbø's acclaimed crime novel, helmed by director Tomas Alfredson (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), and stacked with top-tier talent. Instead, production was rushed, filming in Norway wrapped before the entire script was shot, and the resulting edit is a baffling mess.

From a content perspective, the R-rating is heavily earned. The killer's signature involves brutal violence, shotguns, dismemberment, and decapitated heads placed atop snowmen. Add in heavy subplots involving alcoholism, unwanted pregnancies, and extramarital affairs, and it offers zero redeeming value for younger viewers.

Even mature teens who love crime procedurals or true crime podcasts will find this movie agonizingly dull and confusing. If you want a dark mystery set in cold weather, put on Broadchurch or Fargo instead.

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