Humans and bugs are out to exterminate each other in Verhoeven’s much-maligned ‘fascist’ blockbuster that has enjoyed a cult resurgence, with its nonchalance and irreverence towards the pleasures of gory violence and media brainwashing satirically relevant.
This WWII thriller is a return to form for Verhoeven after his hit-and-miss Hollywood journey, featuring an exceptional performance by Carice van Houten as a Jewish singer who attempts to infiltrate the Gestapo in Nazi-occupied Netherlands.
Paul Verhoeven’s Hollywood breakthrough remains a standout violent sci-fi actioner from the ’80s and a decent commentary on mankind’s ill-fated fascination with science and technology.
Loosely based on the true story of a lesbian nun in 17th century Italy, Verhoeven’s largely compelling film (unfortunately banned in Singapore) ticks all the provocative checkboxes as he tackles religious hypocrisy and eroticism in the same effortless breath.
Isabelle Huppert is indeed the mesmerizing star of this twisted psychological drama, oozing with suspense marked by unease, foreshadowing and dread.
Eternality Tan 