Although I’m Dutch I hardly watch Dutch movies, but last year I gave a couple of them a chance and they managed to surprise me (like Waterboys and Publieke Werken). When a fellow blogger suggested to watch this one, I decided to give it a chance as it was available through Netflix, so the only thing I would lose if I didn’t like it would be some time.
Jacob van Zuylen de With (Jeroen van Koningsbrugge) is the son of a rich millionaire. He lives on a huge estate together with his dying mother and has everything he desires. He has a problem though as he literally has no emotions and when his mother passes he decides he no longer wants to live. He decides to make use of the services of a mysterious company called Elysium. They will help you end your life. He decides to go for the surprise package. You won’t know how and when you’ll die, but it will be very soon. As he’s picking out a coffin he meets Anne de Koning (Georgina Verbaan). They start chatting and start meeting up. For the first time it appears that Jacob starts to feel something, but is he able to postpone his “surprise package”?
This was the first movie where I saw Koningsbrugge starring in a serious role (he was previously known for his comedy). He convinces though and makes clear tha this character doesn’t have any feelings and has made a calculated decision. The connection he has with Verbaan is believable as well and the two of them take the viewer with them on their unpredictable journey with various twists, tense moments and some action, romance and humour. Thanks to some beautiful Belgian locations and a rich selection of classic cars it looks good as well. It makes De Surprise a nice time waster.
