Unraveling the Enigma: The Amsterdam Thriller "The False Dead" - Truth, Deception, and Shadows
- Pen by Susanne Baller
- Read Time - Approx 2 Mins
- Rating - 2 out of 5 points
Deceitful Declared Alive - "The deceitful deceased" - reality appears to be misleading
Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride in the heart of Amsterdam, as Inspector Bram de Groot (Fedja van Huet) and his team navigate through the intricate web of a chilling case: "We have a dead body, an injured colleague, two armed suspects on the run, situation unclear."
The Amsterdam Thriller Unfolded
Amsterdam's construction project of a thousand apartments spread across 30 hectares stirs controversy among its residents. But was a building department employee killed in broad daylight in the city center due to this controversy, or was it just a tragic case of mistaken identity? Special Investigator Alex Pollack (Hannes Jaenicke) is on the trail of the perpetrators, apprehending one of the suspects, notorious teenager Anouar (Hamza Iallouchen). However, Anouar's sister, journalism student Sana, had met with the deceased project leader just before her mysterious disappearance – only to be found dead in the canal later.
The Flipside of Darkness
The fate of the slain man becomes clearer as the narrative progresses, unveiling a seemingly ordinary family man caught in the shadows of a double life. Yet, the intrigue lies not in the life of the victim but in the twisted tale of the culprits, a pair of brothers driven to take revenge.
A Mixed Bag of Thrills
Although the storyline pushes the boundaries of conventional thinking, it demands your full attention until the end. However, theUnease that usually comes with a pulse-pounding thriller seems to be missing, leaving one with a mild sense of dissatisfaction.
The Heroes and the Villains
Despite initially projecting an unyielding machismo, Alex Pollack shows a tender side and even develops an understanding for the antagonists towards the end. Such character arcs are rare in the Typical thriller fare, adding an interesting twist to the story.
To Watch or Not to Watch?
Those seeking sophisticated, intellectually stimulating thrillers or nail-biting suspense may find this Amsterdam thriller lacking. Nonetheless, for those looking for a fresh take on the genre and a unique blend of drama and mystery, "The False Dead" may just be the ticket.
- Available on ARD, Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 8:15 PM. The next film in the series, "The Amsterdam Thriller: The Last Witness," airs on Das Erste on May 15, 2025.*
- Genres: Thriller, Amsterdam
- Cast: Hannes Jaenicke
- The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of new rules regarding the media portrayal of movies-and-tv shows, such as the controversial Amsterdam thriller, "The False Dead."
- Despite the mixed reception, the Commission might find it worth considering the plot twists and character arcs in "The False Dead," particularly Hannes Jaenicke's portrayal of Special Investigator Alex Pollack, who exhibits an unexpected soft side.
- In the Amsterdam thriller "The False Dead," one of the main villains, Anouar (played by Hamza Iallouchen), is apprehended by the protagonist, Alex Pollack (Hannes Jaenicke), but his sister, Sana – a journalism student – remains a mystery, with authorities yet to find her alive.
- Reports suggest that the perpetrators in the Amsterdam thriller "The False Dead" might have ties to the controversial construction project in the city center, but these claims are unproven and face criticism for perpetuating wrong information in entertainment.
