at first sigh - cruel. mixture of theater play and horror title. in fact, only honest picture from a part of ordinary existence. this is its key. the credible chain of gestures and dialogs. the details of action. the brilliant gray acting. a film as warning about sickness, pity, roles in a group, links between people. a wise film, far of usual traps, clear and grave, profound and clear as a water glass. each character as drawing of a state of soul. the performance of Marlies Heuer is really beautiful. the work of her colleagues - impressive. must see it ! not only as a special Dutch film. but as question about roots of decisions of every day.

Emma Blank is a dying woman. So she makes clear to tell us. She has decided to do it with great style surrounded by her own family, who now, are relegated as servants of Emma. No one is pleased with the arrangement, but everyone decides to go along because of the financial benefits that will befall on all after Emma's death.Emma takes too long to depart this world as the family eagerly awaits for the moment when she dies. Heneveld, her husband, acts as the butler. This man is a puppet on her wife's hand. Heneveld must satisfy her whims such as wearing a mustache he clearly detests. Since he cannot grow one of his own, a theatrical set of them is always handy for Emma to decide. Heneveld and Emma's marriage was a loveless one. He tends to sleep in Bella's bed rather than on his own, although there is clearly nothing sexual between them. Goonie, the daughter, is asked to be the parlor maid. She also hates her mother, resenting her father's role at the moment. Goonie is sexually charged, enjoying sex on the beach with a stranger. The rest of the household is composed of Meier, who is Bella's son and Theo, a strange man whose role is to be a puppet to Emma, who even decides when he must take care of his bodily functions in the garden.This Dutch film is a black comedy written and directed by Alex Van Warmerdam. He also appears as Theo. Like with other pictures of the genre, do not expect things making a lot of sense. In fact, there is not much going on, except the caprices of a woman who realizes she will soon be dead but does not want to make it so easy for the people she is leaving behind. The acting is first rate. The excellent Marlies Heuer appears as Emma. It is a flashy role that she carries well, as she appears to be well suited for this Emma. The surprise in the film is Eva Van De Wijdeven, a gorgeous young actress who will go far because of her talent and great looks. The ensemble cast is wonderful. Gene Bervoets, Annet Malherbe, who is seen as Bella and is the director's wife, Gijs Naber and Mr. Van Warmerdam contribute to the success of this film. Grant it, the film is not for everyone, but those fans with open minds who love the genre will enjoy it, no doubt.Photographed by Tom Erisman, the remoteness of the Dutch countryside shines in a contrast of sunny and somber shades. The incidental music is Mr. Van Warderman himself.

It's a shame the movie does not keep one pace or sticks with its concept and instead opts to change gears every now and then. Unfortunately when it does so, it almost falls flat on its back. Funny, quirky and anything but political correct and still somehow predictable after awhile. Not completely of course, but enough to make a weird balance (not in a good way that is).The acting is good and the idea is very nice. But again it changes too often in tone (not visually, just mood-wise) to stick with you. Or at least me that is. Of course it depends on your level of tolerance and how much you like those sort of movies anyway.

I can't understand why Alex Warmerdam's movies haven't reached a larger audience. Quirky, bizarre, original dialog, beautiful setting, great actors - with wife Annet Malherbe always the true star. His latest is a remake of a play and plays out like one. I thought the Dutch dunes were portrayed fabulously and the house was a marvel. The acting great, with national promise Eva van de Wijdeven putting down a stellar performance that matches young French actresses like the girl who played in Swimming Pool and our own Carice. The plot is as with all his screenplays disturbing yet hilarious, isolated yet universal, crazy yet supernormal. The guy cracks me up. Give him a global distributor for God's sake!