Escapade (2014) User Reviews

Life is like jumping off a bridge...

[NadinePiscopo · 10/10 · 23 May 2016]

This short film more than delivers on inspiration. The short captures the hard-hitting realism of teen rebellion vs mundane home life. It also brings to light how two seemingly similar neighbouring houses are very different homes. Both Thijmen and Robin yearn for freedom and autonomy. Thijmen from his overprotective parents (or are they? under the circumstances I would tend to agree with them) and Robin's abusive uncaring father). The short truly encapsulates all it means to be a teen. It is gripping right from the very start - the scene on the bridge. It is all very real and honest with artful composition and a very raw script. Incredibly tactile visuals and sounds (especially the bridge scenes and the partying scenes). Pervasive filming and the construction and placement of shots is excellent. #justjump

Impressive early work

[miloslav-divis · 10/10 · 4 June 2018]

I could not believe that someone put something like this together when he was just 17. It is great short movie more than delivering on feelings, hopes, dreams, struggles and rebellions of being a teen. I loved how the whole story is encapsulated and I admired how just simple script, work with camera and great acting tell the viewer much more than many long movies with lot of talking. Great work!

bitter realistic

[Kirpianuscus · 16 July 2019]

Many teenagers are reflected by story. And this is the basic motif for appreciate the film . For story, cinematography and build of tension. For portrait of two friends and their parents. For the symbol of bridge. For a decision who remains a precious memory of many people And for the precise, direct meaning of liberty. The artfull composition, the performances, the soundtrack, the feel to see something more than familiar are pillars of this splendid - bitter "Escapade".

Pretty weak, even for a rookie work

[Horst_In_Translation · 2/10 · 12 January 2017]

"Escapade" is a 20-minute live action short film and even if the title does not give it away, it is a movie from the Netherlands, so unless you are fluent in Dutch, make sure you got English subtitles for this one here (or any others). The writer and director is Gijs Blom and he just turned 20 a couple days ago, which means he was only 17 when he made this movie. I guess you have to start somewhere, even if he is somewhat experienced already as an actor. His co-writer is Robin Boissevain, who also plays his co-lead. Sadly, the story the two came up with is completely bland and uninteresting. The story about two boys struggling with their parents was done so many times before and in 99% of the cases better. Nothing new or refreshing about this work. And the acting is just as forgettable. I am once again baffled about this film#s rating here on IMDb. I guess many people liked the gay-themed references, but I am sure without these, this movie would be entirely forgotten already by now. Story-wise, it is a major disappointment and Blom has a really long road ahead of him if he wants people to consider him a filmmaking prodigy like Dolan or so. I give this one here a thumbs-down as it dragged a lot and do not recommend checking it out.