The Horror Show
Berlin Syndrome
by Damien Power
Are you looking for a dynamic psychological horror movie? Berlin Syndrome, starring Australian gem Teresa Palmer, is certainly the way to go!
The story follows Brisbane photojournalist Clare (Teresa Palmer) who is visiting Berlin to capture the city’s architecture. While strolling through the streets of the German capital, she meets the handsome and charming Andi (Max Riemelt) and the duo immediately form a sparkling connection.
Things soon escalate and turn into a steamy night, but what started off as an endearing holiday fling swiftly takes a grim turn, adding a flavour of violence to this slow-burning thriller.
Andi has no intention of letting Clare go and soon their brief romance transforms into an eerie case of captivity. Palmer’s strong performance takes Berlin Syndrome to the next level, creating the right tension and discomfort to make you want to keep watching.
Without a doubt, Australian director Cate Shortland did a brilliant job creating a strong narrative within a nightmare scenario. Blending moments of horror with subtle touches of empathy towards the captor, Shortland makes perfect use of her protagonist’s passion: architecture. She skillfully underlines the claustrophobia caused by the confined space Clare is caged into and she cleverly chooses to focus on the characters and their emotions.
Adapted from Melanie Joosten’s novel, Berlin Syndrome is certainly a strongly acted thriller. Palmer is outstanding portraying the helpless, and somewhat empathetic victim. Her acting is pure gold, but so is Riemelt’s persona, Andi, who definitely cracked his role and successfully went from mysteriously attractive to disturbingly creepy.
But apart from the great performances, Shortland and scriptwriter Shaun Grant did something amazing; they managed to pass onto the viewers the complexity of the co-dependent relationship that develops between the captor and the captive — and it is this relationship that makes this flick so engaging.
Of course Berlin Syndrome comes with flaws, the biggest one being its pace. It often feels like the movie runs out of juice and turns into a lengthy drama. However, it somehow manages to remain gripping. So, definitely make sure you give this one a try!
Maria Kriva, HMS
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