Kidnapped

Funny Games without the artistic pretentions, hardcore without compromises in the level of the depicted horror, which could still be comfortable for viewers. Using long shots, Miguel Ángel Vivas creates a stifling atmosphere with a foreboding sense of bad things to come, which viewers hope will not happen, because they know that they could find themselves in the same situation in real life. And those things do happen.... However, besides this cleverly composed psychological game played with the viewers, the screenplay also reeks of a sinister intention to shake them by crossing the usual boundaries of genre entertainment. And it thus embarrasses itself on the level at which we applaud the sophisticatedly cautious Haneke. (25.12.2023)

Maybe it’s because haven’t seen any new brilliantly executed horror films for a couple of months. Maybe it’s because the colleagues that usually overrate any amateur crap made me expect something way below-par. I don’t know, but Kidnapped was almost surprisingly good. Excellent execution, beautiful long scenes without cuts and very convincing performances. The script is a bit messy, with some nonsense in the logic in the second half… but it can be justified; not very easily, but it can (one of the kidnappers is an impulsive asshole, the victims are psychically fucked). Those few problematic moments aside (that I’m willing to forgive), the kidnapping takes place in a way that felt pretty believable and for most of the film the people behave in a manner that’s appropriate to the situation. In short, I’m pleasantly surprised. It might not be good enough for four stars, but I will be generous this time because everyone is throwing shit and this film doesn’t deserve it. Mother’s Day without the gratuitous violence. (05.08.2011)