The Columnist

The Columnist, a gripping film from the Netherlands and directed by Ivo van Aart, was released in 2019. The movie stars Katja Herbers, validated as an award-winning actress, Genio de Groot, a revered veteran actor, and Achraf Koutet, make up the central cast of this satirical horror-comedy in the fast-paced world of journalism, intellectual freedom and social media.

The movie revolves around Femke Boot (Katja Herbers), a successful columnist, dealing with the good, bad and ugly aspects of expressing ideas in the public dome. However, this film isn't limited to only showcase the professional challenges but also the personal upheaval that goes hand in hand with them. Herbers profoundly renders Femke’s psychological journey, oscillating between vulnerability and ferocity, which serves as the main allure of the dramatic narrative of the movie.

The intricate dynamics of Femke’s personal life are folded into the fabric of the narrative. This includes her desperate efforts to maintain her relationship with her daughter Anna (Claire Porro), navigate her romantic life with her boyfriend Steven (Bram van der Kelen), and juggle her demanding career that throws her into turmoil repeatedly. The characterization of Femke Boot is a distinctive blend of a committed writer, an often overwhelmed mother, and an individual viscerally affected by the effects of cyberbullying.

Most strikingly, the film provides an insightful reflection on the toll cyberbullying takes on individuals who are in the public eye. The protagonist, Femke, experiences toxic chat threads, sexist slurs, and violent threats. These communicating avenues become a breeding ground for abusive behaviour, causing her physical anxiety as well as emotional unrest. The movie succeeds in illustrating the dark underbelly of social media and the detrimental, real-world impacts of online harassment.

Moreover, The Columnist provides a tongue-in-cheek social commentary on the toxicity circulating within internet culture and free speech debates. Here, the film dips its toes in the pool of satire, exploring the lengths to which Femke will go to defend her right to express her opinions freely. This central theme of the film is complemented by the engaging pacing and captivating storytelling, which persistently keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats.

The movie is a significant achievement in technical terms as well. The Columnist is shot with a distinct vision, and you notice an intentional color scheme that subtly mirrors the psychological state of the heroine. The cinematography is beautifully done and coupled with appealing Dutch architecture in the background, it lends an exquisite visual appeal to the film. The film’s score is minimal and effectively underlines the psychic tension that steadily escalitates as the story unfolds.

As for the performance, Katja Herbers delivers a stunning performance as Femke Boot. She effortlessly transitions from a successful columnist to a distressed individual battling her internal demons to a fierce woman standing up against the wrongful. Her brilliant performance defines the tone of the film. The supporting cast, including Genio de Groot and Achraf Koutet, deliver compelling performances, each reflecting an exciting facet of the storyline.

Comedy merges fluidly with horror and social commentary in The Columnist. The sarcastic humor is built into the screenplay smartly, never taking away from the gravity of the themes being handled or the serious situations Femke finds herself in. However, it also doesn't shy away from taking sharp turns into horror territory from time to time.

Ultimately, The Columnist is an interesting and roller-coaster exploration of social media culture and its impact on an individual's personal and professional life. It uses clever metaphors and acerbic wit to describe the issues it deals with, wrapped up in the attractive packaging of a thrilling narrative and commendable performances. For anyone interested in biting social commentary or dark comedy thrillers, The Columnist is a must-watch.