Son of God (2008)

Directed by: Wolke Kluppell | 38 minutes | drama, comedy, short film, fantasy | Actors: Bart Klever, Wimie Wilhelm, Carlijne Diekerhof, Aylin Onel, Jerome Westerman, Dalorim Wartes, Mike Meijer, Jan van Eijndthoven, Carla Mulder, Ali Car, Bram van Hoven, Bram Zoontjes, Sammie van den Broek, Jimmy de Bruijn

The slightly absurd fantasy story presented to us in ‘Godenzoon’ is comical and sad at the same time; we see a family that is not functioning on all sides; daughter Cornelia has Down Syndrome and pees her pants in the middle of the lawn in front of the house; on the way home, her grumpy mother Elza almost hits her, who reacts with annoyance rather than shock; Father Freddy sits crippled in front of the TV watching football and the wooden floor in the room has a large hole overlooking the sewer that runs under the house. The way in which both parents deal with Cornelia is especially painful; it becomes even more painful when a child suddenly falls into Elza’s arms during a thunderstorm, although Cornelia does not realize how insensitive her parents’ reaction is. This beautiful black baby seems like a gift from God and Freddy and Elza believe they are finally getting the baby they deserved. Cornelia is only happy with her new brother, which she lets the neighborhood know while singing on her go-kart. In the neighborhood café that borders on the same square as the house, the event is overwhelming; but the wrong conclusions are drawn; Elza must have been cheating in town. Bartender Danny seems to have feelings for Freddy, but the latter is blind to them.

When the storm starts again, Ronaldinho – that’s what Elza has called the boy – suddenly becomes seven years older. It is very funny to see how the family reacts or rather, does not react to this, because it is – certainly the first time – taken as a given. The second time the storm comes, Elza is still afraid, she has long since ceased to be touched by that sweet face and her maternal feelings are on the same level as her emotions for Cornelia; she would prefer to see Ronaldinho disappear.

‘Godenzoon’ is a surreal story in a realistic setting, mixing improbable elements with recognizable events and characters. This creates a light-hearted atmosphere and funny scenes. Nice screenplay by Neske Beks, especially for a debut, and excellently directed by Wolke Kluppell. ‘Godenzoon’ is one of the short films included in the third series One Night Stand, in which young and talented filmmakers are given the opportunity to make a film, which will premiere at the Netherlands Film Festival and then be shown on television.