In a particularly hellish NYC precinct (mostly Belfast though), Detective Argo is depressed at the speed with which the world is going to ruin. As is his partner Westcott, just out of the academy, sensibly pony-tailed and horrified at the WÄZ murders.

Nihilistic gang-banger Pierre (Hardy) is gunning for an enemy boss when members of his crew, including a pregnant woman, turn up mutilated and very dead.

But, Argo and Westcott discover the killings are motivated by a horrific unpunished crime in Argo’s past, involving Jean Lerner (Blair), who is taking revenge after learning the gene theory WÄZ (geddit…?) that posits everyone is motivated by self-interest and will do anything to survive, having brutally been put in the situation herself.

WÄZ (pronounced “was”) treads Seven territory while aiming to shock like Saw and Hostel. It's a grisly conveyor belt of torture, gang rape and child-murder – one scene of a young boy carved and bruised on the slab is particularly grim.

All this and pro-vigilante politics that would have Michael Winner choking on his cigar.

Skarsgard (star of the original Insomnia) is committed as ever while George presents us with Clarice Starling's slightly less competent sister - prone to clenching her jaw and fumbling with her gun.

Dennis Pennis's alter-ego Paul Kaye also pops up with a twitchy performance as Dr Exposition, on hand to explain the gene theory and help the cops and audience when things get tricky.

Pick of the cast is Selma Blair, working wonders with her small but significantly psychotic role.

If you thought Kevin Bacon’s Death Sentence was too restrained, WAZ is right down your street.