I absolutely loved this movie. This is a foreign language film starring Mads Mikkelson. I’ve enjoyed Mikkelson in everything I have seen him in so far, including his TV show “Hannibal” and the film “Valhalla Rising“. This film tackles a difficult subject, child sexual abuse, or rather being falsely accused of such. He plays Lucas, a divorced kindergarten teacher, with a teenage son.
Spoilers…
One day he is sat down at work and the unthinkable happens, he is accused of doing something sexually inappropriate with one of the children. It just so happens, the child who accused him, was his best friend’s five-year-old daughter. The school puts him on leave and an investigation ensues. Soon he finds out, there are other accusers. A criminal investigation is started, eventually culminating in his arrest.
Literally, he is placed in an impossible position. Wrongly accused now by several children. He is shunned by the entire community, with everyone certain he is lower than slime. Instead of fleeing the town, he confronts the situation in ways that only he could. Had he left, it probably would have been looked at as admitting guilt. I had a slight problem, with his best friend Theo. I guess this is one way you find out who your real friends are. There was a moment in the film when Lucas goes to Theo’s house to have a discussion. I just think they would have had a different conversation, more real and direct, especially as best buds. I think Theo probably would have had more doubt than he had about his daughter’s story.
Eventually, he convinces his best friend of his innocence and is let back into his life. The ending was great because it leaves you with no doubt he is still under suspicion at least by someone.
I would like to speak a little about the emotional impact this film had. As a man, it was easy to relate to the situation Lucas was thrust into. I couldn’t even imagine being accused of something like this. I think he handled the situation with much courage as a real man should. I was surprised he did not protest his innocence more than what he did. I don’t believe staying quiet is the right move in this situation. It can lead people to believe he is guilty. I found this film to be moving, thought-provoking, and highly entertaining. This is how more films should be made.
Highly Recommended.
*****
