It is not very often that Dutch films attract the attention of the film trade magazine Screen International. Now that the web edition ScreenDaily happens to publish two reviews in a row, it is nice to quote something from them.
Screen editor-in-chief Mike Goodridge saw the Dutch Oscar contender Sonny Boy and Marco van Geffen's debut film Among us (international title Among Us) and came to the following findings.
He does understand that in the Netherlands it is successful Sonny Boy, about racism and forbidden love during World War II, is shortlisted for the Oscars but nevertheless notes: "Extraordinary true story aside, however, the film is told in a straightforward, uninspiring fashion and lacks the epic emotional quality that could have boosted its chances of international festival play or sales." Lead actors Ricky Koole and Sergio Hasselbaink are fine and their characters interesting, but they are given no space in the film which, according to Goodridge, "... has the pacing of a TV movie with none of the feeling and sense of these amazing characters it should possess."
Will that be something with that Oscar.
On the cultural news agency's previously identified Among Us however, he is very appreciative. At the Netherlands Film Festival, this drama about a Polish au pair in a Dutch Vinex neighbourhood did not make it beyond a nomination for supporting actress Rifka Lodeizen, but judging by Screen International's verdict, there must have been something overlooked there.
Goodridge: "... Among Us (Among Us) is a chilling drama which appears to be a social drama before turning into something else entirely. A confident, cleverly constructed and well-acted feature which builds a pervasive sense of evil amid the creature comforts of suburban Amsterdam, the film is also a fascinating glimpse into the lives of eastern European au pairs ..."
He looks a "Rashomon-style study in different perspectives and misunderstanding" in, with a "psychological dimension which makes it unusually gripping."
Nice boost for Van Geffen, who already got to premiere his film at the Locarno festival earlier this summer. On 10 November in Dutch cinemas.
Leo Bankersen
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