Wil (Will)
2023
**½
Director: Tim Mielants
Cast: Stef Aerts, Matteo Simoni, Annelore Crollet, Jan Bijvoet, Pierre Bokma, Kevin Janssens, Dirk Roofthooft, Gene Bervoets, Dimitrij Schaad, Pit Bukowski
In 1942, during the Nazi occupation of Antwerp, young Wil joins the police force, which is under German oversight. When the Nazis begin their crackdown on the Jews, Wil must carefully navigate between collaboration and resistance. This Belgian war drama, based on the 2016 novel by Jeroen Olyslaegers, explores the blurred lines between right and wrong in a time of oppression. The film is visually impressive but its story feels too familiar and predictable, with characters who are very black and white. Wil, who struggles with his conscience, is a frustrating character to watch, as he can barely get a word out of his mouth.
