The Guilty

It’s about the premise, the filmmaking craft, the absolutely claustrophobic atmosphere of a call center. Sure, there’s a whole lot of illogical situations, but I don’t really care. I sat there at the edge of my seat for 85 minutes, completely glued to the screen with suspense. The Guilty has amazed me with great dialogues, a flawed main character and moments that really made me feel something. Another minimalistic but memorable, high-quality piece. (29/07/2018)

Radio drama of the year 2018. Nicely civil in a “Lindholm" way. At the same time, however, it is true that precisely because of civility, all the twists and turns on which it sadly relies too much are from the very beginning quite obvious. And, unfortunately, this includes the occasional logical lapses that break down the civility. But again, it doesn't matter that much, because it will soon take on such a captivating pace that there's still no time to deal with them. (27/12/2018)

A beautiful, unintentional slap in the face of our current filmmakers, who whine all the time that they don't have the money to make films and when they do get it and make something, it's mostly crap. Here's proof that it's not about money – all you need is an idea, a vision and a skilled craftsman. The almost 90 minutes feel like 10, it has tension, it has an unexpected twist in the second act or so; simply, as I've been convinced lately, the Danes are on fire! (14/02/2019)

A minimalist drama almost exclusively centred around its main character, whom the viewer can’t take their eyes off for an hour and a half, and through whom all the storyline and dialogues of the secondary roles are conveyed. The story is based solely on the dialogues uttered by the main character via a telephone line, and entirely stands as such – no blood, no action, no effects (I can imagine how fast this film pays for itself). I definitely value the concept. However I can’t appreciate the film fully, the storyline suffering from some illogical gaps, and not a single reheated filmic cliché is left out in the final part. Still, I admire the creators for being able, once again, to come up with a project that follows the rule ‘a lot of bang for the buck’. [KVIFF 2018] (06/07/2018)

Although the camera essentially stays the main protagonist and never leaves his police telephone exchange, this thriller is extremely gripping and even able to surprise with unexpected twists. Practically, the only thing happening are telephone calls. However, the viewer gradually learns not only about the criminal case of the crisis call of an abducted woman, but also the background and nature of the main protagonist, including his personal problems, as well as the psychologically-demanding routine of emergency line operators in general. Lots of substance with minimal resources, maximum intimacy, but also maximum effect. (29/06/2018)