“Surviving the Darkest Hours: ‘Night Call’ Review – A Gripping Belgian Thriller That Will Leave You Gasping for Air” In the scorching summer of 2019, a mysterious call went out in the Belgian town of Mons, plunging its residents into a desperate fight for survival. ‘Night Call’, a gripping new thriller from Belgian writer-director Amélie Van Elmbt, brings this harrowing true story to life on the big screen, weaving a tense, suspenseful narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat. But beneath its visceral, pulse-pounding surface, ‘Night Call’ is a searing commentary on the social ills that can fester in even the most seemingly idyllic communities. In this article, we’ll delve into the heart of this Belgian thriller, exploring what makes it a must-see for fans of survival horror and thought-provoking cinema.
The Birth of a Thriller: ‘Night Call’ Review
A Bloody Good Debut: Michiel Blanchart’s Feature Film
In his feature debut, Belgian filmmaker Michiel Blanchart takes a simple and familiar action film set-up and gives it his own spin by adding pertinent social commentary. In “Night Call,” Mady (Jonathan Feltre), a young locksmith, has quite the violent and eventful evening in Brussels. He tangles with nefarious characters, makes affecting friendships and runs against the clock to save himself.
Blanchart proves himself adept at giving all his ensemble various shading, shifting the audience’s allegiances and making his film much more than the usual brutal actioner. Mady is called upon by Claire (Natacha Krief), a mysterious but affable woman, to open her apartment after losing her keys. After she flirts with him, he allows her to trick him and runs away stealing a big plastic bag. Suddenly he’s alone in a stranger’s apartment looking like a burglar.
The bag has lots of money in it, the stranger is a violent gangster and Mady is soon on the run himself with a whole gang of bad guys after him. Chief among the gangsters chasing him are the menacing Yannick (Romain Duris) and his tough but sensitive enforcer Theo (Jonas Bloquet). Mady is a resourceful and smart young man. Using his smarts, he manages to make his adversaries believe in his innocence.
How the Film’s Social Commentary Sets it Apart
In addition to its kinetic action sequences, “Night Call” is also notable for its timely social commentary. Blanchart weaves in the real-life protests against police brutality in Brussels, using them as a backdrop to Mady’s desperate escape from the gangsters. As the night unfolds, the parallels between Mady’s situation and the protests become increasingly apparent.
By incorporating this social commentary, Blanchart adds depth and complexity to the film, making it more than just a thrilling action movie. He tackles issues of injustice, corruption, and the struggle for rights, giving the audience something to think about as they watch the film.
The Perfect Storm: Action and Thriller Elements Combine
The Influence of American Thrillers
Blanchart has cited American thrillers like “Collateral” and “Training Day” as influences on his filmmaking style. It’s clear that he’s been inspired by these classic movies, but he’s also put his own spin on the genre. “Night Call” flows easily from one set piece to another, with a kinetic energy that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
The film’s camerawork, handled by Sylvestre Vannoorenberghe, is taut and nuanced, capturing the performances of the cast with precision. The action scenes are intense and suspenseful, with a clear sense of danger and urgency.
Blanchart’s Kinetic Action Filmmaking Style
Blanchart’s direction is confident and assured, with a clear sense of style and vision. He’s not afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of what’s acceptable in an action movie. The result is a film that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking.
In particular, the chase scene set inside a noisy blustering nightclub is a standout moment in the film. It’s a nod to the classic action movies of the past, but it’s also something entirely new and original.
A Night to Remember: The Film’s Tense and Suspenseful Plot
Mady’s Desperate Escape from the Gangsters
Mady’s desperate escape from the gangsters is the central plot of the film. He uses his wits and resourcefulness to stay one step ahead of his pursuers, but it’s clear that he’s in grave danger.
The stakes are raised as the night unfolds, with Mady facing increasingly difficult challenges and obstacles. He’s forced to make tough decisions and take risks, all in the hopes of staying alive.
The Increasing Stakes as the Night Unfolds
As the night wears on, the stakes become even higher. Mady’s mistakes and miscalculations put him in greater danger, and it’s clear that he’s running out of options.
The tension builds to a climax as Mady faces off against the gangsters in a final, desperate bid for survival. It’s a thrilling and suspenseful conclusion to the film, with a clear sense of resolution and closure.
The Heart of the Film: Social Commentary and Impact
Protests and Parallels: The Film’s Timely Social Commentary
The film’s social commentary is a key aspect of its impact. Blanchart weaves in the real-life protests against police brutality in Brussels, using them as a backdrop to Mady’s desperate escape from the gangsters.
The parallels between Mady’s situation and the protests become increasingly apparent as the night unfolds. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking commentary on the issues of injustice and corruption that are at the heart of the film.
More Than Just a Thriller: The Film’s Broader Canvas
“Night Call” is more than just a thrilling action movie. It’s a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of the human condition, with a clear sense of style and vision.
The film’s cast is talented and diverse, with standout performances from Jonathan Feltre and Romain Duris. The camerawork is taut and nuanced, capturing the performances with precision.
The Cast and Crew: Bringing the Film to Life
A Talented Ensemble: The Cast’s Contributions to the Film
The cast of “Night Call” is talented and diverse, with standout performances from Jonathan Feltre and Romain Duris. Feltre brings a sense of vulnerability and desperation to his role as Mady, while Duris is menacing and intimidating as the villainous Yannick.
The supporting cast is also strong, with memorable performances from Natacha Krief and Jonas Bloquet. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, adding to the film’s sense of tension and suspense.
A Skilled Director: Michiel Blanchart’s Vision and Style
Michiel Blanchart’s direction is confident and assured, with a clear sense of style and vision. He’s not afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of what’s acceptable in an action movie.
The film’s camerawork, handled by Sylvestre Vannoorenberghe, is taut and nuanced, capturing the performances of the cast with precision. The action scenes are intense and suspenseful, with a clear sense of danger and urgency.
Conclusion and Reflection
A Thrilling Experience: The Film’s Entertainment Value
“Night Call” is a thrilling and suspenseful film that’s sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The action scenes are intense and kinetic, with a clear sense of danger and urgency.
The film’s social commentary is a key aspect of its impact, adding depth and complexity to the story. It’s a thought-provoking and nuanced exploration of the human condition, with a clear sense of style and vision.
A Thought-Provoking Experience: The Film’s Lasting Impact
“Night Call” is a film that will stay with audiences long after the credits roll. It’s a thought-provoking and nuanced exploration of the human condition, with a clear sense of style and vision.
The film’s social commentary is a key aspect of its impact, adding depth and complexity to the story. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking commentary on the issues of injustice and corruption that are at the heart of the film.
Conclusion
Conclusion: “Night Call” – A Harsh Reflection of Our Times
In our review of “Night Call,” we delved into the harsh realities of modern-day Belgium, where a group of survivors must navigate a treacherous night in search of safety and hope. Through its unflinching portrayal of social commentary, “Night Call” reminds us that even in the darkest of times, our actions can either perpetuate or challenge the status quo. The film’s unapologetic depiction of xenophobia, racism, and classism serves as a scathing indictment of systemic injustices that have been allowed to fester in our society.
The significance of “Night Call” extends far beyond the confines of its narrative. It serves as a powerful reminder that the struggles we face today are not isolated incidents, but rather symptoms of a deeper, more complex issue. By highlighting the darkest aspects of our nature, the film encourages us to confront our own biases and prejudices, and to work towards creating a more compassionate and inclusive world. As we move forward, it is essential that we continue to push the boundaries of what is acceptable, and to challenge the systems that perpetuate inequality and social injustice.