The official storyline of this film gives us a very clear idea of what to expect. Jan (74), apparently physically and mentally fit, tells his adult children that he wants to end his life after his next birthday because "I've got enough", and he wouldn't want to be a burden on the others later in life, or so he says. Iris, his daughter, is shocked and can't accept this, whereas her brother apparently adapts quite easily and business-like to the idea. Iris attempts to deal with the situation and the emotions she goes through are the center of the film. Julia Akkermans plays her character very well. Generally we see realistic and credible acting. The topic of the film is intriguing, well worth to be explored in this way, and the writing is realistic and credible as well. Also visually the film is well done if somewhat understated. So I recommend this film, even though I would have liked to see more development of the other characters and their way to deal with the situation. I call this "a well done little film" and I wouldn't have complained about it being a bit "bigger" in the sense of showing more than just the story of Iris. 7.5 stars rounded up.
2 Reviews
Mediocre movie about a sensitive subject
rl-fire15 March 2024
As can be read in the storyline, the movie deals with the subject of ending life.
Jan, an eldery man, announces that he intends to end his own life 'while he is still good'. The news comes as a shock to his two children. Most of the plot and intrigue, actually most of what the movie has to convey, are in the first half hour. The focus is very much on the character of Iris. All the other characters, even Jan, are reduced to supporting roles, which in my opinion is s severe fault by the director. Iris cannot cope with the decision of her father, denying to herself and others that suicide is a possibility. She tries to sway him back into enjoying and prolonging life, spending almost all of the rest of the movie in doing so. Even the finale is filmed mostly from the viewpoint of Iris, turning away at the last moment, like Iris herself.
The main strength of the movie is that it has the courage to bring a controversial subject to the screen. Yet a heavy subject like this needs far more deep-digging and nuance.
Jan, an eldery man, announces that he intends to end his own life 'while he is still good'. The news comes as a shock to his two children. Most of the plot and intrigue, actually most of what the movie has to convey, are in the first half hour. The focus is very much on the character of Iris. All the other characters, even Jan, are reduced to supporting roles, which in my opinion is s severe fault by the director. Iris cannot cope with the decision of her father, denying to herself and others that suicide is a possibility. She tries to sway him back into enjoying and prolonging life, spending almost all of the rest of the movie in doing so. Even the finale is filmed mostly from the viewpoint of Iris, turning away at the last moment, like Iris herself.
The main strength of the movie is that it has the courage to bring a controversial subject to the screen. Yet a heavy subject like this needs far more deep-digging and nuance.
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