Watches
February 26, 2024
For what is one of the most well-regarded films of the year, I expected considerably more than the relatively basic courtroom drama I got. Yes, the film is meticulous (and long), but the underlying drama is rather pedestrian and Triet doesn't make the most adventurous choices along the way.
Sandra's relationship with her husband is troubled, so when he is found dead one day, with a nasty head wound, she becomes the prime suspect. The fact that she lied about some details isn't helping her case, luckily she has a proper lawyer willing to defend her against a pretty ruthless public prosecutor.
The performances are solid and the film takes its time, with each new revelation getting enough attention, but that's about it. The direction felt underwhelming, the runtime was excessive, and the drama was textbook, as was the finale. It didn't really bore me, at the same time it could barely hold my attention. Not that great.