Films So Good

Klokkenluider is a Dutch word with two meanings: it refers to both a bell ringer and a whistleblower. This movie is about the latter.

Directed by actor Neil Maskell, the film follows a couple (Sura Dohnke and Amit Shah) who have uncovered a government secret. Hiding out somewhere in Belgium, they await the arrival of a journalist (Jenna Coleman) to whom they plan to reveal what they know. In the meantime, two armed men (Tom Burke and Roger Evans) appear, claiming they are there to protect them. But as the journalist’s arrival is delayed, suspicion begins to grow. Are they truly in danger? And can anyone really be trusted?

The movie was filmed during the COVID period and, like many productions from that time, faced various restrictions—which makes it difficult to judge entirely fairly. Still, despite these limitations, the film succeeds in creating a dark, tense atmosphere. The use of drone shots is clever, and the tension is sustained right until the end, constantly leaving you unsure: are these people truly there to help the couple, or do they have other intentions? The tension is also amplified by descent performances, with all the actors delivering solid, convincing work.

On the other hand, the script may have been a bit weak. I liked the emotional distance established between the two armed men and the couple. In the end, learning the secret is shown to be potentially lethal. However, several parts of the narrative felt irrelevant or underdeveloped. For example, Evans’s character comes across as careless, often drunk or on the verge of a breakdown—but none of this has any real impact on the overall story.

To be honest, if Jenna Coleman and Tom Burke hadn’t been in this movie, I probably wouldn’t have watched it. Their presence adds credibility and interest to an otherwise modest production. Still, despite the limitations imposed by the COVID period and a somewhat odd script, Klokkenluider manages to deliver a tense, atmospheric experience. It may not fully capitalize on its intriguing premise, but it holds your attention and leaves a lasting impression.

Movie Rating: 63/100

---