Rundfunk: Hunting Keeper (2020)

Directed by: Rob Lücker | 89 minutes | comedy | Actors: Yannick van de Velde, Tom van Kalmthout, Pierre Bokma, Carly Wijs, Bram van der Vlugt, Peter Bolhuis, Hans Croiset, Kees Hulst, Annemieke Bakker, Gilles Biesheuvel, Margo de Geest, Mike Kuyt, Agaath Meulenbroek, Michiel Nooter, Martijn Oversteegen, Stefan Perceval, Loek van den Wijngaard, Naomi van der Linden, Bart van der Schaaf, Tibo Vandenborre, Stefana Verweij, Jonas Weerman

Anyone who is somewhat familiar with the work of the Rundfunk duo Yannick van de Velde and Tom van Kalmthout knows roughly what they are being treated to at ‘Jachterwachter’. Absurd humor squared. Nonsense quotes, striking supporting roles and an unbelievable script. The park ranger/guardian (Van de Velde) of the desolate camping site HIVO (Harmony In Many Ways) is busy, very busy. If he also loses his father figure, he is at his wits’ end. Fortunately for him, the shunned and disappeared child star Ronnie Bosboom Jr. (Van Kalmthout) shows up to help him. But in the universe of the Rundfunkers, that is of course often because of the rain in the drop. So they have to deal with formidable looking creatures looking for the ‘plate’, supported in the back by either a crow or a vulture.

The camping guests of this K.Tcamping? A real cabinet of curiosities. A few examples: Parents with a daughter recovering from anorexia; a seven-year-old smoking, drinking and rudely scolding child; a demented elderly person; an terminally ill young person, a man with a sword in his stomach and an eternal cancer kernel. With one common denominator, they are all fond of the repertoire of Ronnie Bosboom jr. So, how nice would it be if, after years of obscurity, he would once again give a performance? Before that, a few bumps have to be overcome, because Ronnie jr. can’t actually save the podium.. (pun intended).

‘Rundfunk Jachterwachter’ uses a certain ‘deadpan’ humor that won’t work for everyone. You either love it or you hate it. But the supporting roles of Pierre Bokma (Ronnie Bosboom Sr.) and Bram van der Vlugt (the father figure), the staging and the stubborn credulity of the Camping Head make this film a pleasant viewing experience. Especially fun is the bingo scene and the sign-up scene. Stereotypes are also nicely dealt with and we see Pierre Bokma as an elderly rapper. The latter alone makes watching ‘Rundfunk Jachterwachter’ a special experience. Dutch absurd humor at its best. Curious, witty and very enjoyable for the real fan. Small gestures, grotesque effect.