Patser (2018)

Directed by: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah | 120 minutes | crime | Actors: Matteo Simoni, Nora Gharib, Saïd Boumazoughe, Junes Lazaar, Nabil Mallat, Axel Daeseleire, Ali B, Werner Kolf, Jeroen Perceval, Eric Corton, Vic de Wachter, Noureddine Farihi, Paloma Aguilera Valdebenito, Hef Frans, Gene Bervoets, Aza Declercq, Abdel Malik Farhouni, Stefan Perceval, Hans Royaards, Julmar Simons,

‘Patser’, by the talented young directorial duo of Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (has already garnered much praise for ‘Black’, about rival street gangs in Brussels), is an action comedy that, according to the opening credits, is “more or less based on true shit.”

Because indeed, Antwerp is known as the cocaine capital of Europe. In contrast to that of Rotterdam, the port of Antwerp seems to be as leaky as a basket. So there are opportunities. Opportunities for wannabe gangsters Adamo (Matteo Simoni), Junes, (Junes Lazaar) Volt (Saïd Boumazoughe) and tomboy/fighter boss Badia (Nora Gharib). Growing up in the multicultural working-class district of Het Kiel, they dream of the life portrayed in the games they play incessantly. Hanging kids, popularly called ‘drarries’, who see Tony Montana and Jean-Claude van Damme as role models. They dream of a life as a bigot, get rich quick and live like in a rap music video.

Adil and Billal steer us with a skilful hand, also noted by Hollywood (the gentlemen may direct ‘Bad Boys III’ with Will Smith in the lead role), and on the basis of the seven deadly sins through the well-known story. But what makes ‘Patser’ so much fun are the comedic interludes (a priest performed as a Jedimaster, a game of Tetris with containers in the harbor, the Colombian connection all with a suspect bar in front of their eyes), the speed and the acting pleasure. It is obvious that the directors borrow from renowned colleagues such as Guy Ritchie and Quentin Tarantino, but that should not spoil the fun.

From small hash couriers to cocaine dealers. But then you shouldn’t be surprised if the ‘big shots’ from Amsterdam and Colombia are startled awake when a large amount of cocaine is supposedly lost. The life of the once frisky foursome suddenly becomes much more serious, with threats on all sides: mobsters Orlando Marie (Werner Kolf) and Hassan Kamikaze (Ali B. in a noisy, overpowered role), ruthless Colombian mobsters and two corrupt, racist detectives.

The Moroccan/Italian Adamo feels cornered. On his way to the inevitable violent confrontation, he knows ‘good cop’ Yasser (Nabil Mallet), an old mate of the foursome who has ‘defected’ to the cops, as a support. Living as God in Morocco. But you also have to leave a lot for that. You don’t just go from being a petty criminal to a gangster. And maybe it’s better to pursue realistic goals, embrace normal life. So, just become a street worker, or a dancer, or marry your childhood sweetheart. That is less hassle.

‘Patser’ is still a bit too rough on the edges and the storyline could also be better, but the Flemish/Moroccan El Arbi and Fallah clearly show that they master the craft of filmmaking. Rhythmic, highly camera-technical and with a sense of the ‘street’, they portray four low-lifes with megalomania. A very pleasant viewing experience. Curious what Hollywood will bring the pair. Perhaps they will soon be mentioned in the same breath as the greats they copied.