SOUTH (HET ZEUIDEN) European Showcase

Dutch director Martin Koolhoven (THE CAVE, AMNESIA) digs deep into the psyche of an apparently successful businesswoman in this intense psychological drama.

By day, Martje (Monie Hendrickx) is the manager of a busy laundry operation. She’s a good boss who enjoys the respect of her employees. By night, she’s a solitary woman who’s had a life-changing medical operation. She’s still a bit gun-shy about relationships. But that changes with the arrival of Lou, the new delivery man. His rough charms inspire her to open up, but their first night together ends badly. Her workers rally behind her the next day, yet their actions precipitate Martje’s slow drift way from reality.

The performances are superb and subtle, which allows the viewer to be completely submerged in Martje’s world as it splits apart at the seams. By capturing all the flaws, contradictions and strengths of Martje, SOUTH elicits strong sympathy for her without whitewashing her extreme reactions.