Rent Berlin Syndrome (2017)

Lovely Job - Berlin Syndrome review by Dax Williams

This was a bit of an un-expected gem. An Australian tourist (Clare) in Berlin hooks up with a local teacher (Andi) and ends up being kept permanently against her will in his apartment. I really liked the tone and pacing of this movie and although there are a few moments to make you wince, it doesn't descend to over-the-top violence and gore. Rather, it focuses on the pyschological effects of Clare adapting to her situation and over time she does begin to exhibit small signs of Stockholm syndrome, but not to the extent that she is content with the set-up and she always desires to be free. The lead performances were very strong and I found myself captivated and really rooting for Clare.

The are a handful of well trodden cliches of the thriller/horror genre thrown into this film; and at least two events occur here that also take place in Misery (a movie this reminded me of in places). There are one or two moments where you may roll your eyes in a 'yeah, right' kind of way, but by and large Berlin Syndrome steers clear of stupidity and remains relatively realistic the whole way through. A very impressive movie.

Not original, but good - Berlin Syndrome review by SB

The central story - weird man locks up young woman - is not original (cf 'The Collector', and others), but this is a fairly competent version, set in the grimier parts of modern Berlin and with a good central performance by a de-glamorised Theresa Palmer as the Australian woman who is at first willing but finds herself trapped. The part of her captor is not played over the top. There are loose ends - it seems highly likely that in reality she could have escaped given the opportunities available - although one issue is how much she wants to do so. That however is not fully explored. And the ending is not very satisfactory.

Despite an interesting premise, I just couldn’t get into this film, despite the actors efforts - Berlin Syndrome review by Timmy B

I rented this film after seeing many good reviews for it, plus I always like to find something new & interesting to watch. 

This film starts out well and builds tension up nicely. Clare is holidaying in Berlin and meets charismatic Andi whilst out. She goes back to his flat for sex, then wakes up the following morning to discover that he’s left for work and locked her in. The building that she is in is totally secure and there is no way out. The first day this happens, she is slightly perturbed but lets it slide. However, it then becomes apparent that she is in fact a prisoner there and cannot escape. 

When the film first starts picking up pace, I was very interested, plus also the deep unease that it creates really affected me. But then the film just coasts and loses its way. I found myself after about 40-45 minutes just bored and getting fidgety, then switched it off a few minutes later. It was in one way quite an achievement that a film that had started this good then just nosedived. 

I may one day re-rent it and give it another shot, in which case of course I’ll update this review if I change my mind, but I cannot recommend this at the moment sadly, despite its positives.