The Redemption (2017)

Directed by: Jorien van Nes | 80 minutes | drama, thriller | Actors: Gijs Naber, Waldemar Torenstra, Markoesa Hamer, Porgy Franssen, Bram Suijker

What exactly do we know about the financial crisis? Who can we designate as responsible? As is the case with injustice in the world, it has long since ceased to be the subject of discussion. There are other things to worry about. With Telefilm ‘De repayment’ we are once again pressed to the facts. Things are not going well in the financial world.

Arne (Gijs Naber) and Thomas (Waldemar Torenstra) are brothers, but they couldn’t be more different from each other. Thomas has a well-paid job as a banker and represents everything that scares Arne, by making money off the backs of innocent people. Arne is an activist in daily life, he works for the (fictional) Liberation Front and fights against the financial institutions. There is more old hurt between the two, but when their father dies, the two gently grow closer. When Thomas accuses Arne of shouting so loudly that he can only hear himself with his activism, Arne invites himself to the Global Economic Forum, a conference where, according to Thomas, real steps are being taken towards sustainable banking. Arne promises to only listen there, but of course he seizes this opportunity to make his point in a playful way. However, when it turns out that not everyone takes him seriously, he decides on a whim to take more drastic measures.

Not only is Arne’s girlfriend Josie (Markoesa Hamer) involved in this action, an idealistic DJ who has supported Arne in everything up to that point, Thomas is also forced to get involved. This is partly because he thinks that Arnes’s deed is definitely unacceptable, but also out of love for his brother and perhaps also secretly because he thinks his brother is actually right. As Arne’s behavior becomes increasingly fickle, a thriller-like plot unfolds, the outcome of which is difficult to predict.

‘The Redemption’ is a fast-paced thriller, which addresses important issues, which, however, do not quite come out. Certain events in the film are rather unbelievable, but because the film is otherwise expertly put together, you can easily go along with it while watching. Strongly written dialogues put the finger on the sore spot and the contrast between the two brothers is further reinforced by the chosen locations: a financial conference and a festival. The subtle humor in the script is also nice. Gijs Naber plays the fanatic Arne in an intense way and he is excellently assisted by Markoesa Hamer, who portrays an interesting character and who at the same time acts as Arne’s conscience. Porgy Franssen is an excellent choice for the role of A&P banker Hake. Waldemar Torenstra is also strong, he also co-wrote the screenplay, together with Philip Delmaar. Great telefilm.