This January, I have indulged myself in almost everything new on Netflix. From the first film on the platform to now the last of the month in WILL.

It is a Belgian military film that is dark and emotional on paper. Based on the book, Wil, by Jeroen Olyslaegers, the movie is one hour and three-quarters long.

If you are about to start watching it, maybe you would like a quick look at my review.

WILL Synopsis

In the times of Hitler’s invasion of Antwerp, during World War II, two newly inducted policemen are forced to take certain steps after an emotional conundrum.

Image Credits: Netflix

Can they resist the Nazis or will they fall to their genocidal ways?

Created by Tim Mielants, the movie stars Stef Aerts (Wil), Matteo Simoni (Lode), Annelore Crollet (Yvette), Kevin Janssens (De Vinger), Dimitrij Schaad (Gregor), and others.

WILL (2024): Positive Aspects

The movie starts with a commanding dialogue about how we perceive history and how we are taught about it in school. 

For us, the past is about questions related to leaders and battles. But for those who were a part of the events, history, especially wars, was unimaginable.

Two young policemen are forced to accompany a senior Nazi officer into the house of a Jewish man. Then they witness the worst possible dilemma of their lives.

Tantalizing concepts are extremely rare. And rarer is their equally blistering execution. WILL takes you into a world of inhumane creatures disguised as soldiers. 

Every bit of the film’s initial half an hour is heartbreaking. 

Image Credits: Netflix

The dark setup throws tension into an already debilitating atmosphere, which, in turn, evokes the threads of your humanitarian outlook. 

You go into a deep thought while staying focused on the screen, relaying a lump in the throat. 

How important is it to remember the barbaric side of history? Is it all about getting marks and graduating for further studies? 

Unless we understand the evils of the past, we won’t be able to identify them in the present. 

So, when a character says in one of the scenes “You stand by and watch,” it comes across as a stark reminder for the modern times where battles are ongoing in several parts of the world. 

What are the other global leaders doing? They “stand by and watch,” while trying to balance their political alignments. 

Nevertheless, coming back to WILL, its storyline is thoughtful, putting two helpless men at the helm of the proceedings. 

It is as real as you can imagine, for they don’t get the advantage of being physically muscular, mentally stout, and literally brave to fight the men in front of them. 

Image Credits: Netflix

They must take each step carefully, avoiding the eyes of the Nazis, just like a common man would do.

WILL’s visually heart-wrenching moments help in cultivating an irresistible slow-burning screenplay, which keeps the fire alive most of the time. 

The makers give equal attention to a vomiting scene as they do to a fight sequence. It shows their conviction, not taking for granted any strand of the plot. 

Moreover, the cinematography is consummate, particularly in the scenes depicting mental haziness.

You could actually feel the moment through the camera lens. 

How are the Performances?

Stef Aerts plays the primary role of Wil in the film. He presents extreme nuances in what might just become one of the most memorable performances of the year. 

Aerta has an expression for every situation as he meanders through an atypical plot. 

Driving on a shady road, he expertly brings out the character’s fragile depth from within a righteous demeanor. 

Image Credits: Netflix

His act feels real and makes you imagine what some kind souls in his place must have gone through back in the day.

Annelore Crollet, as Yvette, designs her craft beautifully in WILL. She adds a rhythm to the character’s subtly wistful upbringing. 

There is a hidden side to her instantaneous actions that becomes deeper with time. 

If you notice her eyes, you’ll find she does a plethora of talking through them in a very short period.

WILL (2024): Negative Aspects 

There are no stark issues that plague the film. So, it is better if I keep this section empty. 

Stream or Skip?

WILL’s emotional hold and soul-stirring narrative depth make it a must-watch period movie on Netflix.

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