One of the rare Australian films to be accorded a commercial release here, Berlin Syndrome is a ‘woman in jeopardy’ thriller.
A young photographer (Teresa Palmer) newly arrived from Brisbane strikes up a friendship with an English teacher (Max Riemelt) in the former East Berlin. But their one-night tryst turns into a nightmare when she discovers the next morning that her ‘lover’ has imprisoned her in his soundproof apartment.
After numerous unsuccessful attempts at escape, the captive gradually begins to redevelop feelings towards her tormentor.
The action is largely confined to the single claustrophobic location, but the shifting alliance between the hapless victim and her psychotic abductor isn’t exploited as well as it could have been, as the script grinds down to its embarrassingly pat conclusion.
Director Cate Shortland shows restraint while handling the scenes of sex and violence, but some of her artsy flourishes, including repeated spurts of slow-motion, are very jarring.
Palmer brings conviction to her role; as the deceptively mild-mannered antagonist, German actor Riemelt fits the bill adequately.
Berlin Syndrome is worth a watch but only for want of a more rewarding alternative at the multiplexes this week.
E-Paper
