“The Columnist” is a Dutch horror movie about a popular newspaper columnist who becomes the target of online trolls. She begins to seek revenge on her critics, writing her next column with a chainsaw and hunting down those who have insulted her. The film explores the dark side of social media and the violence that can result from online harassment. With visceral gore and biting satire, “The Columnist” is a sharp commentary on modern society’s obsession with public opinion and cancel culture.
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Review
The Columnist: A Masterclass in Suspenseful Storytelling
As a renowned author and speaker on the art of persuasion and influence, Robert Cialdini knows a thing or two about the power of storytelling. And if there’s one film that embodies the principles of his best-selling book, “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion,” it’s “The Columnist.”
Directed by Dutch filmmaker Ivo van Aart, “The Columnist” follows the story of Femke Boot (played brilliantly by Katja Herbers), a successful writer who is driven to the brink of madness by online trolls who relentlessly attack her for her controversial columns. As the pressure mounts and her personal life falls apart, Femke takes matters into her own hands, seeking revenge on those who have tormented her.
At first glance, “The Columnist” might seem like a run-of-the-mill thriller about cyberbullying and vigilante justice. But what makes this film stand out is its razor-sharp writing, expert pacing, and pitch-black sense of humor. From the opening scene to the shocking climax, every moment is crafted with precision and nuance.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to balance tension with levity. While there are plenty of gruesome moments (including one unforgettable scene involving an electric drill), there are also plenty of witty one-liners and clever nods to social media culture that keep things from feeling too heavy.
Take, for example, Femke’s interactions with her teenage daughter Anna (a breakout performance from young actress Claire Porro). In one scene, Anna tries to reassure her mother that she shouldn’t take the trolls’ comments too seriously: “Everyone knows that people only say mean things online because they can’t say them in real life.” It’s a simple line, but it perfectly captures how disconnected our digital lives can be from reality.
Another standout aspect of “The Columnist” is its strong lead performance from Katja Herbers. Best known for her work on the HBO series “Westworld,” Herbers brings a fierce intensity to the role of Femke, conveying both her vulnerability and her rage with equal skill. Her chemistry with co-star Bram van der Kelen (who plays one of Femke’s most persistent trolls) is electric, and the scenes between them crackle with tension.
Of course, none of this would be possible without van Aart’s deft direction and the film’s expertly crafted screenplay by Daan Windhorst. Every shot in “The Columnist” feels deliberate and purposeful, from the unsettling close-ups of Femke’s face as she reads the hateful comments on her articles to the sweeping aerial shots that capture the beauty – and isolation – of her rural home.
But perhaps most impressive of all is how “The Columnist” manages to tackle serious social issues (like cyberbullying, gender inequality, and freedom of expression) without ever feeling preachy or didactic. Instead, it trusts its audience to draw their own conclusions and allows its themes to emerge naturally from the story.
As Robert Cialdini himself has said: “Great persuaders know that it is far more effective to let people discover things for themselves than to tell them what they should think.” And in that regard, “The Columnist” is a masterclass in persuasive storytelling.
If you’re in the mood for a darkly comic thriller that will keep you on edge from beginning to end – while also giving you plenty to think about – then look no further than “The Columnist.” With its smart writing, standout performances, and expert direction, it’s one of the best films of 2020.
Technical Data
- Release : 2019-12-20
- Runtime : 83
- Genre : Comedy, Horror, TV Movie
- Cast : Katja Herbers as Femke Boot, Bram Van Der Kelen as Steven Dood, Claire Porro as Anna Boot, Genio De Groot as Arend, Rein Hofman as Arjen Tol
- Crew : Yamal Stitou as Editor, Martijn Cousijn as Director of Photography, Maxa van Panhuis as Costume Design, Robert van der Hoop as Production Design, Saba van Hoften as Art Direction
- Revenue : 0
- Budget : 0
- Company : NL Film en TV
- Popularity : 3.211
- Summary : Columnist and author Femke is flooded with anonymous nasty messages and death threats on social media. One day she is completely done and decides to take revenge.
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