Directed by:
Sacha PolakScreenplay:
Helena van der MeulenCinematography:
Daniël BouquetCast:
Hannah Hoekstra, Hans Dagelet, Rifka Lodeizen, Mark Rietman, Eva Duijvestein, Barbara Sarafian, Ward Weemhoff, Ali Ben Horsting, Elske Rotteveel (more)Plots(1)
A tale of a young woman’s compulsive and transgressive sexual behavior that features ample shots of its characters’ nether regions, Hemel at first feels like a Dutch female version of Shame. But helmer Sacha Polak’s debut pays equal attention to the complex family bonds that underlie its protag’s psychological makeup and inform her actions. Hemel (which means “Heaven” in Dutch) knows that her bond with her father is rock-solid, though both are unaware that their rapport often feels closer to a de-facto marriage than a healthy parent-offspring relationship. This beautifully lensed look at the moment just before a daughter has to let go of her father belongs to stunning newcomer Hannah Hoekstra. Her Hemel is impulsive and rude, supremely confident but also fragile and needy. (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival)
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Reviews (1)
Hannah Hoekstra I liked a lot in The Canal, where she played only a supporting role, but thanks to that I discovered the film Hemel. During the movie, it occurred to me that it is a Dutch variation of Ozon's Young and Beautiful, even though it was probably filmed earlier. Hannah appears in the film more undressed than dressed and wanders through life quite hopelessly. It is basically a sad film about an attractive and somehow mysterious woman, whose life is dominated by the search for herself and drowning in sex. It reminds me of Young and Beautiful, with a touch of melancholic music. It's not a film for the masses, but it doesn't have to impress a demanding viewer either. It hit the mood for me.
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