In Theaters or Watch at Home 05.07.2021

The Columnist

Directed by Ivo van Aart
Film Movement
2019
86 Minutes
Netherlands
Dutch
Horror, Comedy, Crime, Thriller
TV-MA

Femke Boot (Katja Herbers) is a columnist who is obsessed with reading the endless abusive messages and death threats posted about her on social media. This obsession consumes her life and prevents her from concentrating on the novel she has promised to her publisher. One day, all her pent-up anger and frustration explode in a moment of shocking and unexpected violence. When this brutal and bloody act inspires Femke to write again, she surrenders to her rage and begins to lead a double life as a daytime writer and nighttime murderer.

Director & Cast

  • Director: Ivo van Aart
  • Starring: Katja Herbers
  • Starring: Genio de Groot

Trailer

Photos

Reviews

  • "The Columnist is a sharp condemnation of those hiding behind their keyboards, hidden inside a hilarious look at a woman pushed to her breaking point."
    Dierdre Crimmins, Rue Morgue Magazine
  • "A blackly funny satire exploring the limits of obscenity and hateful discourse in our new mediated age."
    Anton Bitel, Sight & Sound
  • "In a word, The Columnist is striking. The film is contemporary, intelligent, and, at moments, shocking. ... There is intent and intellect behind The Columnist that makes it an utterly irresistible watch."
    Caitlin Kennedy, Film Inquiry
  • "The film has a biting wit that feels very reflective of the current moment and Femke is a fantastic showcase for Herbers...."
    Joe Lipsett, Bloody Disgusting
  • "For those who get a kick out of some good, darkly comedic violence, The Columnist is a blast and one of the year's biggest surprises."
    Sara Clements, Daily Dead
  • "The Columnist is that rare mix of comedy and horror that isn't too cheesy or over the top. It's also definitely one of my favorite films of 2020...."
    Lorry Kikta, Film Threat
  • "Elegantly framed and beautifully shot throughout, shifting easily between the bright, clean interiors that shelter the commentariat and the murky world of the horror film, The Columnist is as seductive and as playful as it is discomfiting."
    Jennie Kermode, Eye for Film
  • "Star Katja Herbers delivers a standout performance."
    Sarah Musnicky, Nightmarish Conjurings
  • "...a satirical buffet of homicidal femininity."
    Katie Rife, AV Club
  • "Katja Herbers is simply phenomenal in the lead role, Femke, a heroine for our troubled times, the liberal who is mad as hell and fights back."
    Martyn Conterio, CineVue
  • "A devilishly funny horror comedy."
    Rachael Harper, SciFiNow
  • "Scathingly funny and deeply unsettling, The Columnist is a smart, acid-tongued thriller that couldn't have come at a better time."
    Ben Robins, HeyUGuys
  • "The Columnist pairs its vicious satire with a stonking-good performance from Katja Herbers."
    Shaun Munro, Flickering Myth
  • "A darkly delicious film that entertains throughout thanks to the perfect combination of sure-handed direction, compelling story, and commanding performances."
    Kat Hughes, THN
  • "Certified Fresh!"
    Rotten Tomatoes