Synopsis:
Femke is over it! The constant critique, the gaslighting for speaking her truth, the trolls’ anonymous, sexist insults. A columnist for a revered publication in The Netherlands, the divorced, city-dwelling single mother faces a daily barrage of negativity on social media. Sure, she shouldn’t read the comments, but who doesn’t read the comments?! Meanwhile, her teenage daughter is waging a fiendishly clever campaign for free speech against her high school principal. After enduring another disgusting round of ridicule for a recent piece, Femke snaps. A satisfying, bloody, and hilarious revenge tale that dares to confront bullies in the most delightfully dark ways.
As of October 14th, The 56th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) has begun. Running through October 25th, I have been lucky enough to be granted some virtual screenings, as the entire experience is virtual due to The Rona. This will be the first of about ten works I viewed that are apart of their ‘After Dark’ series and they all fit perfectly in October.
If you thought Drake’s line in Back To Back about Twitter fingers was disrespectful, Femke Boot just took the disrespect to new heights. The Columnist is a satirical dark horror-comedy that blends social commentary and slasher film in the best way possible. The Dutch film dives into an aspect of life that is sadly a cancerous mainstay on all of the social media platforms that we use every day, trolls and bullies. Beginning in a very dramatic fashion, the film takes an extreme turn and satisfies that angst one may feel while online. Doubling as a revenge story as well as a cautionary tale, the film feels refreshing and is well written. The subplot that runs parallel to the story provides fantastic duality that culminates in some exciting scenes. Disgusting and threatening words have consequences in this story, making you think twice before you post that death threat. Femke, our main character, is a writer for a publication but is currently working on a book. As we follow her as she attempts to find her story and defeat writer’s block, it becomes so outrageously perfect when you find out what the title of her book is after seeing what has happened. There’s love, comedy, and killing and it’s so subtly over the top that you may not notice. What more can you ask for? The juxtaposition throughout the film, the score, the acting, and the overall tone made this one of my favorite films of the year. I highly recommend The Columnist. It’s rewatchability is high.
Plot & Pace
Femke Boot is a single mom and writer for popular publication. However, the viewpoints she offers in her columns are not the favorite among certain readers. Some readers not only share their disdain for her work online but they threaten her life as well as start dangerous rumors. Overwhelmed by the hate as well as her book deadline, everyone has a breaking point and Femke as reached hers. After doing some online sleuthing, she decides that if these trolls and bullies are not going to stop the harassment and slander then she will make them stop. All while raising a socially conscious daughter and balancing a new love life.
The pacing of the film is great and the way the plot and subplot are intertwined is fantastic.
Characters & Chemistry
The entire cast does a great job but Katja Herbers as Femke Boot is phenomenal. She initially is a meek person trying to do the right things, the right way. Once she snaps her character becomes more layered and terrifyingly enjoyable to watch.
The Columnist is currently playing during the 56th Chicago International Film Festival. Enjoy and Stay Safe.
Director: Ivo van Aart
Writer: Daan Windhorst
Rated: NR
Runtime: 1h 23m
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
