Ferry (2021)

Directed by: Cecilia Verheyden | 106 minutes | action, crime, thriller | Actors: Frank Lammers, Elise Schaap, Huub Stapel, Raymond Thiry, Monic Hendrickx, Bram Blankestijn, Maarten Heijmans, Ergun Simsek, Huub Smit, Juliette van Ardenne

The TV series “Undercover” made for the streaming platform Netflix rehabilitated the careers of Frank ‘Jumbo’ Lammers and Elise Schaap. Quite rightly so, because the crime show was well put together, was exciting and was a strong example of good casting. Lammers was phenomenal as the portly and jovial Ferry Bouman. The at first sight somewhat goofy man turned out to be an unscrupulous criminal who practiced rather shady practices. Just like Tony Soprano actually. Playing with your expectations – Lammers in an unsightly Hawaii shirt doesn’t seem dangerous, but it is – an interesting combination is created. After the TV series, it was time for a prequel in the form of a movie. ‘Ferry’ shows how our anti-hero grew from errand boy to independent drug-dealing camping kingpin.

‘Ferry’ is set in 2006. Bouman, who lives in Amsterdam, works for hash baron Brink (Huub Stapel). Ferry considers this drug dealer a father figure. When Brink’s son is seriously injured during a robbery, pal orders Ferry to find out who is responsible for this act. The track leads to a group of Tilburgers who are hiding on a Belgian campsite. Ferry travels to the South and is confronted with his past. This is how he comes into contact with his estranged sister (Monic Hendrickx) and that is not easy. Good news comes in the form of Daniëlle van Marken (Schaap). A romance develops between this somewhat naive campsite resident and Ferry.

For the fans of “Undercover” ‘Ferry’ is a must. This film is smoothly edited, provides more insight into the criminal’s past and is at times moving and exciting. Lammers is great in the title role and gives Ferry a heart. This is not a fresh guy, but a real human being of flesh and blood. The role is very physical and Lammers acts a lot with sighs, moans and groans. Because his character is not a talker, Lammers has to rely on his body language. Schaap is also doing well and the chemistry between her and Lammers is very good. The budding love between them is beautifully portrayed and convincing.

The action scenes are also beautifully directed and look raw and realistic. Don’t expect beautiful fight scenes, but rude outbursts of violence where people do everything they can to defend themselves. These passages are short and rough. The only part where ‘Ferry’ scores less is the display of accents. Lammers and Schaap are consistent, but Hendrickx, for example, falters quite a bit. Stapel is also not convincing as a true Amsterdammer. If you have little problem with that, there is no reason not to watch this great thriller. ‘Ferry’ gives the title character more depth and that is more than welcome.