"Terug naar de kust" (Back to the coast) is an adaption of the Dutch novel of the same name by Saskia Noort. Not having read the book, I started watching it expecting some mediocre Dutch over-dramatized flick with bad acting. But in the end, I was quite pleasantly surprised that it wasn't half bad.
The story revolves around Maria, played by Linda de Mol, a mother of two that sings in a band with her often drunk and unfaithful boyfriend. After breaking up with him and having an abortion (against his will), Maria starts getting threatening letters. Add a rather creepy fan of her band that seems to be stalking Maria, and she leaves town to stay at her parents' old house at the coast, where now Maria's sister lives. We learn rather traumatic things took place here in Maria's youth, involving her mother's descent into madness.
A series of events commence, causing Maria to feel more and more unsafe and trust no-one, while the people around her are starting to think she is becoming crazy, like her mother. Initially fighting this belief, Maria eventually starts questioning her own sanity, where Linda de Mol's emotional acting contributed to the doubt that arose in both herself and her surroundings, and me as the viewer.
While not spectacular, the film does have an interesting ending, where everything becomes clear to the viewer.
In short, a film without any outstanding acting, extreme originality, or inspiring dialogue, but on the other hand, I couldn't find any terribly bad elements either. An enjoyable, decent psychological movie, but don't expect anything amazing.
6/10
