The Vanishing

Dir: George Sluizer
Star: Gene Bervoets, Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu, Johanna ter Steege, Gwen Eckhaus

[9] Dutch film that got a minimal release at cinemas to critical acclaim and is now out on video as a result. It's unusual story has a man obsessed by the disappearance of his girl-friend, who vanished three years ago at a service station, and trying to find out what happened to her. He eventually finds the man responsible - to say any more would be unfair. A psychological thriller (roughly translated: "not action-packed"), it concentrates on the characters involved - as a drama, it's fine (Donnadieu as the kidnapper deserves especial mention) - as a horror movie, it lacks punch and I didn't feel it's ending lived up to the hype. Mind you, I'm not claustrophobic...

6/10

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