Ben Whishaw is simply a stunningly good actor, both on stage and screen. Whilst the film version of Perfume a couple of years ago wasn't flawless, he put in a stunning portrayal of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, and that was his first proper film role. Definitely one to look out for over the next few years.
As for the thing, fine the story has a few convenient clunkers in it to move it along, but the way that the narrative is unfolding is absolutely superb. I am most reminded of Kafka's The Trial at the moment, with the gears of process moving, but the protagonist having no idea why, or even if he was guilty of the crime committed. Great stuff, I'm hooked.