iHostage

Let's get this straight: iHostage is a gloriously chaotic, brainless thrill ride that I can only describe as a "watchable shi* movie" - and I mean that as a compliment. This Dutch Netflix thriller, inspired by the 2022 Amsterdam Apple Store hostage crisis, delivers exactly what you'd expect from a high-octane crime drama: relentless action, sweaty-palm tension, and a premise that keeps you glued to the screen. But don't go looking for a deep plot or clever twists - this movie is as shallow as a kiddie pool and proud of it.

From the jump, iHostage throws you into the deep end. A gunman storms an Apple Store, takes a Bulgarian dude named Ilian hostage, and demands 200 million dollars in crypto. The setup is simple, and the film leans hard into the claustrophobic vibe of a single-location thriller. Director Bobby Boermans cranks up the intensity with CCTV-style shots and body-cam footage, making you feel like you're right there in the chaos. The action never lets up - from gunfire to tense standoffs to awkward pizza deliveries (yes, really), it's a nonstop adrenaline shot. Loes Haverkort as the negotiator Lynn is a standout, balancing cool-headed smarts with the stress of talking down a volatile gunman. The pacing is so relentless you barely have time to notice the flaws.

And oh, the flaws. The plot? Basically nonexistent. It's a straight line from start to finish: guy takes hostage, cops try to fix it, rinse, repeat. Don't expect any mind-bending twists or profound character arcs - the script is thinner than an iPhone screen. The gunman's motives? Who cares, apparently, because we never find out. The characters are flat as cardboard, and the dialogue is so cliché it feels like it was ripped from a B-movie playbook. Yet, somehow, this lack of depth works in its favour. IHostage doesn't pretend to be anything it's not. It's not here to make you think; it's here to make your heart race.

What makes this a 5-star guilty pleasure is how shamelessly it embraces its own absurdity. The tension is real - you'll be on edge wondering if everyone makes it out alive. The action sequences, while not exactly Die Hard-level, are gritty and engaging enough to keep you hooked. It's the kind of movie you watch with a bucket of popcorn, yelling at the screen when something dumb happens, but loving every second of it. For fans of mindless thrillers like Phone Booth or Drop, it's a perfect Friday night flick.

In short, iHostage is a hot mess of a movie that knows exactly what it's doing: delivering pure, unfiltered chaos with zero pretense. No plot, no twists, just action and tension turned up to eleven. Watch it, love it, forget it by morning.

For a Dutch movie, it was really impressive. There are not many Dutch movies that are this strong. The acting of most actors was really good. However, they rushed some scenes and took their time with others.

Seeing how all of this went from the insider and outsider perspective, instead of only from the media, was a nice point of view. The main parts that were in the media were also in the movie, what I personal really liked.

However, I would have preferred some scenes to be shorter, and others (like the ending of the movie) to be a bit longer.

But besides all of this, it was a really good movie. It is something I didn't expect for a Dutch movie!!! Impressive.

This film manages to capture your attention from the very first moments. It feels tense, raw, and surprisingly realistic-almost as if you are witnessing real events unfold rather than watching a dramatized interpretation. There's an authenticity to the way the story is presented, both in the cinematography and in the pacing of the narrative. The director clearly made a conscious effort to stay as close as possible to the real-life events that inspired the film, and that effort pays off in a big way.

One of the film's strongest aspects is its emotional impact. The intensity of the storyline is palpable, and it leaves a lasting impression. It's not just a typical thriller or drama; instead, it dives deep into the psychology of the characters and the strange, unsettling circumstances they find themselves in. The story itself is unusual-perhaps even bizarre at times-but it's this very strangeness that makes it so compelling. You find yourself constantly wondering what will happen next, unable to predict the next turn in the plot.

The main characters are portrayed with nuance and depth. The actors in these lead roles deliver performances that are convincing and emotionally engaging. You can sense their inner conflicts, their fears, and their motivations. It's clear they took the time to fully understand their characters, and that makes their performances feel honest and human. They don't overact; instead, they allow the emotions to unfold naturally, which strengthens the film's realism.

However, not all performances are equally strong. While the lead actors shine, some of the supporting roles come across as a bit stiff or forced. It's not a major issue, but it does occasionally pull you out of the immersive atmosphere the film works so hard to create. These moments are rare, though, and they don't overshadow the overall quality of the production. Still, a little more attention to casting or directing those secondary parts might have made a difference in terms of consistency.

Despite these minor flaws, the film remains highly recommended. The story is simply too powerful to ignore. It deals with themes that are both deeply personal and universally resonant-fear, trust, isolation, and the complexity of human relationships. These themes are explored not just through dialogue, but also through visual storytelling. The camera work, lighting, and settings all contribute to a feeling of claustrophobia and intensity, reflecting the emotional state of the characters.

One of the most commendable things about the film is the respect it shows for the real-life events it is based on. Too often, filmmakers feel the need to sensationalize or exaggerate true stories for dramatic effect, but this film avoids that trap. Instead, it tells the story with sensitivity and restraint. It never feels exploitative or disrespectful. On the contrary, it invites the viewer to reflect on what happened and consider the broader implications without pushing a particular message too hard.

In conclusion, this film is not just another entry in the crowded field of drama-thrillers. It stands out because of its raw emotional energy, its attention to detail, and its commitment to portraying a difficult story with honesty. It's an intense experience-not always easy to watch-but definitely worth your time. Whether you're drawn in by the psychological tension, the human drama, or the strange twists of the plot, you'll likely find something in this film that stays with you long after the credits roll.

If you're looking for a film that combines strong acting, a fascinating and unusual story, and a commitment to realism, this one is definitely worth watching. It's a haunting reminder of how truth can be stranger-and more powerful-than fiction.

I love how so many people on here are complaining about the fact that there was no explanation about the hostage taker's motive, his Arabic name, the little details there are about the hostage, etcetera. Meanwhile this movie is based on real events and it's simply a mystery what his motives were (because it was never found out, duh!). The hostage taker literally had a Syrian ethnicity (news flash: people with around 180 different ethnical backgrounds live in the Netherlands and many have very thick Dutch local accents, because they were born and raised here). The hostage decided to stay anonymous after the event, so there is little known about him, except that he's from Bulgaria. So they made a movie about facts. They followed the literal storyline as much as possible. But it's not sensational enough? It needed a bit more drama, or... well, lies? Reality can't have plot holes, just missing facts.

Oh and for the ones saying: I'd rather have watched an actual documentary, with actual statements from people who were there. So..? Go do that then. That documentary already came out over a year ago. You can't blame anyone for not knowing, except yourself. Some people don't like documentaries. Now they can watch this movie and also learn about what happened that day.

As a Dutch guy, iHostage hit differently. I remembered the real story from the news, and seeing it dramatized was both fascinating and frustrating. The movie is suspenseful from start to finish. There's a constant feeling of unease, especially because it's so grounded in something that actually happened.

What stands out is how it highlights the failures of the Dutch police response. You want to believe these situations are handled professionally, but what the movie shows is a lack of preparation and decisive action. It's sad but, unfortunately, realistic. The story itself is well-acted and well-paced. You stay locked in because you know this isn't fiction-it's a reflection of real incompetence. Definitely worth watching, especially for Dutch viewers.