Gutland (Govinda Van Maele, 2017): Luxembourg, Germany

Reviewed by Hollyn Heron. Viewed at Fiesta 5 Theater, Santa Barbara

Gutland can be summed up with one simple sentence: “What in the holy hell did I just watch?” The film is more than a psychological thriller and mystery; it is an all around mind-melting quagmire.

Gutland has already proved that it is worth its weight, having been making its way around the world at various film festivals, including Toronto, and the International Film Festival Rotterdam, and of course, Santa Barbara.

Written and directed by Govinda Van Maele, the film is filled with dark, nuanced dialogue, creating mystery and a noir-like ambiance. With classical style piano music, first time film composer Dominique Depret accomplishes in forming a gloomy atmosphere, complimenting cinematographer Naraya Van Maele’s vast landscapes shots, and low-key lighting.  The film’s two main stars, Frederick Lau and Vicky Krieps, deliver magnetic performances that intensifies this chilling tale, and drags the viewer deeper into the rabbit hole.

Gutland opens with a Jens (Lau), as a drifter searching for field work to make the time pass, and ends meet. Instantly, it is clear from his behavior and solitude, that Jens is running from something, and wants to keep his secrets to himself. While drinking alone in a rowdy bar, he meets Lucy (Krieps), a young, vivacious woman with intense sexual desires that leaves Jens literally pinned down. After spending a wildly confusing night with Lucy, Jens is able to find work at a farm, that will house him while he works. As Jens begins working on the farm, he starts to become part of the farming “family.” He’s invited to take part in various activities with the farming community at dinner parties, bowling nights, music lessons, all while engaging in a bizarre sexual, yet romantically satisfying relationship with Lucy. While Jens starts to enjoy his time in the community, his past begins to creep back in to haunt him. But that is not the only obstacle standing in the way of his new life with Lucy.  Jens finds that this small farming community isn’t all that it appears to be.  From an abandoned house from a former farmer who suddenly disappeared, to a stack of curious photos of nude women found outside his home, Jens fears he might have stumbled upon a dark secret being hidden by the locals.

Gutland succeeds at leaving the viewer desiring more in terms of this is one that must be watched more than once. The entire 107 minutes is an edge-of-the-seat, nail-biting brainteaser, that does not disappoint. The film itself is a mystery, just like the one Jens struggles to uncover.