Mark suffers from an intense form of self-hatred, which translates into neglectful, chilling and destructive behaviour. Mark lives in an equally destructive and hateful town. The only exception is his dying grandfather who lives in a hospice. In the hospice, Mark meets Lisa, a nurse. Mark’s behaviour frees her from her angelic yoke, but their bizarre bond slowly starts spinning out of control.
Acting
Van Aschat's self-loathing is physically uncomfortable to witness.
Direction
Coppis traps you in Mark's claustrophobic headspace.
Production
The hospice as liminal purgatory—sterile yet rotting.
Director
Guido Coppis
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This is Guido Coppis's feature debut after years directing Dutch television, explaining the clinical precision in emotional violence.
The film sparked debate in Netherlands about 'armoede-porn'—whether its bleakness aestheticizes working-class suffering or legitimately explores it.
NL
