Nach dem Urteil

From the outset, Custody is an uncomfortably cramped film that does not leave much room to breathe. It takes place almost exclusively in enclosed spaces (see only the numerous scenes with the father in a car), with the camera close to the actors. The characters have no way out. The narrative is highly concentrated thanks also to the focus on just a few days and a couple of events. As the story progresses, Legrand uses more and more stylistic elements of horror (the birthday party offers the first masterful lesson in creating suspense and the fear that something bad is about to happen, another follows) and an already intense drama subtly yet, with respect to the characterisation of the characters, rather naturally transforms into a regular work of psycho-terror, in the climax of which you forget that you have to breathe. Custody is an extremely unpleasant film, but then so is the situation of the children of divorcing parents and victims of domestic violence, which it navigates in an incredibly suggestive and empathetic manner. In the interest of preventing similar situations, it should be seen and experienced by as many people as possible. 90% (11.07.2018)

It's a great pity that this rather unconventional and appealing premise is merely a drama, because there's something unpleasant hanging in the air the whole film and you hope that it will turn into a thriller at the end, but alas. I can't say I was bored, it was interesting to watch the escalating conflict between the two parents, but I couldn't root for anyone because the father was a bastard and the wife was a bitch and I was sorry the French didn't let go of their chains, the ending was just begging for a shocking finale. Good film but left me emotionally cold. 65% (21.10.2018)