Joe Speedboot (2026)

After a bizarre accident, Fransje [Daan Buringa] falls into a coma. He awakens but is paralyzed from the waist down and can no longer speak. He knows he cannot live up to the expectations of his father [Rogier Schippers] and mother [Jani Goslinga] and has a bad relationship with his brother [Chris Peters]. Then he meets Joe Speedboot [Tobias Kersloot], who restores his zest for life. He also becomes friends with PJ [QiQi Van Boheemen]. De Jong frequently gives the impression that Joe and the friendship with PJ are a figment of his imagination, but never provides clarity. Much worse is that he only manages to express Fransje's thoughts through lengthy voice-overs. It has amusing moments, but hangs together like loose sand and lacks any real narrative.

Translated from Dutch · View original

The novel Joe Speedboot will always hold a special place. I used to read sporadically, and I read this book sometime in the late 2000s. After this book, I immediately moved on to the next one, and since then, I consider myself a reader. I have never reread the novel, but this film was a great recognition of the book. And partly less so; I had really imagined the clothing, styling, and the characters' environment quite differently.

Anyway, for a long time quite an enjoyable film. Visually it has a cheap 90s look, but that fits. Buringa in the lead role is somewhat colorless, but every scene with a strong Kersloot as Joe Speedboot, in a mix of mystery and rawness, is excellent and comes to life immediately. Van Boheemen also manages to give her character the right amount of mystery.

After 45 minutes of enjoyable coming-of-age, the second part becomes somewhat more narrative and serious, and consequently a bit less engaging. The fact that Buringa doesn't really shine doesn't help matters either. 3.0*.

Translated from Dutch · View original

Well, what do I really think of this adaptation? I honestly find it difficult. Let me start with what *does* work: the actors playing Fransje and Joe are incredibly strong. It feels natural and believable. These are clearly great talents.

At the same time, things fall short on many other levels. The storyline is wafer-thinly developed. Whereas you truly build a bond with the characters in the book, that depth is largely lacking here. Of course, that is often a challenge with book adaptations, but here crucial layers are simply missed. For instance, Engel is completely absent (it was precisely dealing with the death of a friend that gave the story emotional weight). The development of Christof, with all his vulnerability as Fransje's toilet assistant, also deserved much more space.

Furthermore, PJ remains remarkably superficial, whereas in the book she is a layered and interesting character. The same applies to the storyline surrounding Mahfouz, which is completely absent here and is therefore a missed opportunity.

What doesn't help either is the pacing and structure. Developments follow one another in rapid succession and often in chaotic scenes. Without prior knowledge of the book, you really have no idea what you are looking at or why certain events matter.

What the film does do well is establish the atmosphere. The rawness of life in the village and the simplicity of the characters feel lifelike. That is cleverly done and gives the film some remaining power.

All in all, I arrive at a mixed verdict: one star for the striking atmosphere and one and a half stars for the strong acting of Joe and Fransje. For the rest, it remains primarily a missed opportunity.

Translated from Dutch · View original