It's not every day that you get to see a real psychological shocker from the German-speaking world. Only a global streaming service like AMAZON PRIME VIDEO can finance that. And Sebastian FITZEK is also a sure guarantee of success. The Berliner, born in 1971, has been writing successful novels in the thriller genre for years. THE WAY HOME was published in 2020 and has now been made into a film by the Caracas-born director Adolfo KOLMERER (who shot several episodes of the very exciting ARD series ODERBRUCH) as THE CALENDAR KILLER.
There is a serial killer on the loose in Berlin who threatens to murder couples on set days. Klara (Luise HEYER) has also received such a warning: she or her husband Martin (Friedrich MÜCKE) are to die. In her distress, Klara has often turned to the escort hotline, which promises to accompany women on their way home by telephone in dangerous situations. The sensitive Jules (Sabin TAMBREA) works there and accompanies the frightened Klara through an eventful night, at least on the phone.
Not a bad idea for a modern thriller! However, flashbacks and improbabilities mean that the tension is less than it could be. The actors are very convincing, and Rainer BOCK plays a very dubious supporting role. The film's production is excellent, but it is not a masterpiece of the genre. However, the film shows what would be possible in the German-speaking entertainment industry if more people in charge dared to try out unusual narrative styles. At least a start has been made. It's worth a look!
