Wraak

This might be the worst movie I've seen this year. In fact I'm quite sure.

The story is very weak, the script/dialogue is more than terrible, and worst of all: the movie is not exiting, suspenseful nor is it entertaining. It is in fact stupid to the extent that it's very insulting to the public.

Valdemar Torenstra is ok (I just don't think he is the right actor for serious roles), and the only redeeming quality of this movie is Noortje Herlaar, who I find terrific in most roles she plays.

She tries her best to turn this turd into a nice pastry as we say in Holland, but the end result is a turd with whipped cream on top.

I was truly surprised by this Dutch-language film. The script is smartly constructed, and I didn't see the plot twists coming at all. It's not easy to make a film at a time when polarization dominates public debate, but Wraak (Revenge) manages to engage with that theme in a gripping way.

The story also addresses several pressing issues affecting young people in the Netherlands, particularly in Amsterdam: rising social inequality, the lure of quick money, the pressures of social media, gang recruitment, and a growing sense of hopelessness that can push some toward crime. The film captures how these problems erode values and norms, showing the fine line between personal choices and systemic failures.

Noortje Herlaar and Waldemar Torenstra deliver solid performances, lending authenticity to the characters and keeping the tension believable. It's impressive to see how much the quality of Dutch films has improved in recent years-Revenge is proof that the industry is capable of producing complex, socially relevant stories without sacrificing entertainment.

Overall, this is a sharp, engaging thriller with substance behind its suspense.

I found the acting to be poor, though that might largely be due to the awkward and unnatural dialogue at many points. It often felt too contrived, not how people would realistically behave in these situations. The storyline feels messy and disjointed, making it hard to stay engaged. Overall, the film comes across as a very weak attempt at a Mocro Maffia style story, lacking the tension, depth, and authenticity of the original.

If you're familiar with the Dutch hit-series Mocro Maffia, then this movie will feel like a warm bath of recognition and familiarity. The amount of swearing is unique for its kind, and will be a constant factor from the first scene of the movie until the last. If you look past that, you will find a movie with a great cast, a wild ride of a story and adequate storytelling.