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Writer's pictureBenjamin Maio Mackay

Berlin Syndrome - 3 Stars

Mediocre kidnap thriller is saved by strong performances.

A passionate holiday romance leads to an obsessive relationship, when an Australian photojournalist wakes one morning in a Berlin apartment and is unable to leave.

It’s a very un-original story, it’s essentially the first 20 minutes of Taken (sans Liam Neeson). Where the film wins back ground is in interesting characters. Max Riemelt is the antagonist and while is his menacing, there’s a real desperate sense of loneliness that makes his performance almost relatable. Teresa Palmer is good, but her Australian accent is a little too strong - and that’s coming from an Australian!

The plot is a little over-the-top and the running time makes some of the ideas seem stale. I understand that the need to create a sense of monotony, but the audience shouldn’t be bored. The cinematography, however, is excellent.

Overall not a great film, but passable.

3 Stars

Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay

Screening courtesy of eOne Entertainment

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